'Do it behind closed doors': Braith Anasta hits back as Dragons coach places 'bullseye' on Lachlan Ilias

Braith Anasta has spoken about the public criticism his client and Dragons halfback Lachlan Ilias faced in the wake of the side's round two defeat.

In a bizarre post-match press conference, Shane Flanagan refused show support for the club's off-season recruit when asked about his performance against South Sydney.

"You're smarter than that, you can make your own assessment," the coach responded.

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It has since been reported that Flanagan had picked up the phone to clear the air with Ilias, who is just a handful of games back after a serious leg injury.

Speaking on Fox League's NRL 360 on Tuesday night, Anasta admitted the 24-year-old was "devastated" by his own display even before the comments from his coach.

"You do it behind closed doors," Anasta said.

"I would have given Lachy a spray and told him he didn't handle the last 15 minutes well enough and tore him a new one - but behind closed doors.

"He put a bullseye on a young half who is struggling with confidence and belief. They lost the game by one point and he didn't do his job, but a lot of them didn't.

"He's singled him out as a young half - it's not gonna help him. 

"He was devastated, knew what he'd done wrong and knew he didn't take the game by the scruff of the neck. He got sprayed by Flano and he's fine with that and understands it, he's a grown man ... but the public thing is different and I know that feeling.

"When you're older and more experienced and have played rep footy … you don't give a shit what anyone says, but when it's your own coach and you're going through a patch, you want your coach to back you.

"It is part of it, but it could have been handled a little bit differently."

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Flanagan's comments came after the Dragons blew a 12-point lead against an under-strength Rabbitohs outfit, losing 25-24 despite scoring more tries.

The coach's son, Kyle Flanagan, partnered Ilias in the halves and also failed to stand up in crucial moments with the game on the line at WIN Stadium.

Anasta also pointed out a situation at Parramatta, where their new coach Jason Ryles handled the performance of Dylan Brown in Sunday's loss to the Tigers differently.

"Dylan Brown on the weekend, they asked Rylesy about his performance," he said.

"He's just signed a $13 million deal and Rylesy said, 'I know what you're trying to do' and he didn't buy it.

"He's a new coach and he didn't throw Dylan under the bus."

Anasta has managed Ilias throughout his entire career to date, while also having Storm superstar Cameron Munster on his books.