'He's not a hooker': Damien Cook urges Dragons to chase ex-teammate after 'unfair' criticism
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Dragons recruit Damien Cook has urged the club to go hard in their pursuit of Rabbitohs halfback Lachlan Ilias heading into next season.
The club is in the middle of reshaping its roster under coach Shane Flanagan, with star duo Zac Lomax and Ben Hunt both leaving the Red V at the end of 2024.
Hunt's departure leaves St George Illawarra without a chief playmaker, with the coach's son Kyle Flanagan the only option currently on their books.
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Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Cook - who inked a two-year deal with the club he started his NRL career with - explained why the Saints need to look at bringing Ilias into the fold, especially with talks of a positional switch at Redfern.
Lachlan Ilias could be on the hunt for a new club. Getty
"Souths weren't travelling that well last season, and Lachie copped a lot of that criticism, which was unfair," the former NSW Blues hooker said.
"I think Lachie is a great halfback, he's a great defender, he's still got plenty to learn, and he hasn't had the chance to show what he's capable of.
"Lachie's a halfback, not a hooker. I'd love to see him at the Dragons. I've been in his ear.
"I know he loves Souths, but I'll be letting him know what I think. He's a halfback, not a dummy-half. Later on in his career, he might end up at lock because he is that bigger body, and he's a good ball player.
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"I understand Souths might be thinking about what they're doing. He will be a part of their best 17, but they've also got other halves ahead of him.
"I know Lachie would love it at the Dragons."
Ilias had a tough season with the Bunnies, with the No.7 dropped by coach Jason Demetriou before suffering a gruesome leg injury in reserve grade.
Lachlan Ilias has been dropped for round three. Getty
The 24-year-old still has a year to run on his deal at Rabbitohs, but with English import Lewis Dodd expected to partner Cody Walker in the halves, Ilias is at a crossroads.
Early indications are that Ilias could be used in the bench utility role behind hooker Peter Mamouzelos as incoming coach Wayne Bennett looks to turn things around.
Ilias' manager, Braith Anasta, reportedly met with Dragons officials last week.
Brodie Croft has also been linked with a move to St George Illawarra, but the club is yet to formally confirm its interest in the Super League star.
