EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Johns shuts down talk of Lachlan Ilias switching to hooker
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Lachlan Ilias has become the forgotten man at South Sydney heading into next season, but a switch to hooker isn't the answer according to Andrew Johns.
After a strong start to his NRL career in the halves, the 24-year-old has endured a tough period and was dropped to NSW Cup this year before suffering a serious leg injury.
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With the impending arrival of English playmaker Lewis Dodd, the noise out of Redfern indicated that Ilias would be moving on, with his manager Braith Anasta going on the record to reveal the club had granted him permission to speak to rival clubs.
Reports have since surfaced that incoming coach Wayne Bennett plans to use Ilias at dummy-half in 2025 with veteran Damien Cook heading to the Dragons.
Damien Cook has played his last game for Souths. Getty
Speaking on Wide World of Sports' Immortal Behaviour, Johns claimed his size wouldn't be an issue in the middle of the field, but believes Ilias is best-suited in the No.7 jumper.
"He's not too small at all - he's a big body, he's well over 90 kilos," Johns said.
"But I just see him as a halfback, I don't see him as a dummy-half.
"I really like him, there was a time there where he had a really good combination on the right with Keaon Koloamatangi and he was flying.
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"Since then, he's had some injuries and lost a bit of confidence.
"I think he'd want to play halfback … I don't think he's played any dummy-half and it's such a specialised and hard position."
Ilias has one year remaining on his contract at the Bunnies and at this stage, there has been little reported movement about the halfback switching clubs.
Lachlan Ilias reacts during his side's loss to the Roosters. Getty
But if he was to become available, Johns has pinpointed a potential home.
"I think he'd be a really good buy in the right team," he said.
"I think he'd be good at the Dogs because defensively he is really strong and the Dogs base their game around defence.
"The other one is Manly - Daly is coming to the end but he could play until he's 40.
"For me, I think the Dogs would be a good fit."
