The Rabbitohs allowing veteran halfback Adam Reynolds to depart Redfern was labelled as the “worst decision in the history of their club” — but now, Souths have been vindicated.
Reynolds was seeking a multi-year deal to remain with the Rabbitohs but was instead tabled a one-year extension which prompted a move to the Broncos.
Lachlan Ilias, 22, was tasked with filling Reynolds’ big shoes and struggled to find form early in the 2022 campaign.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
LISTEN TO EPISODE 25 OF THE FOX LEAGUE PODCAST WITH AARON WOODS
Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou went as far as pulling the halfback off the field after only 29 minutes against the Dragons in Round 15.
However, to finish the season, the young playmaker has been one of Souths’ best players and after a stellar performance in a sudden-death final against the Sharks, Fox League’s Braith Anasta said the club had “proven everyone wrong”.
“Many said after eight weeks when Reynolds was flying in Brisbane, many said it was the worst decision Souths have made in the history of their club when Reynolds moved on,” Anasta said.
“Many said Souths were just going to fall away, they weren’t going to make the finals and if they did they’d be useless.
“This was the criticism, they called for the heads of the officials at Souths, Jason Demetriou was under pressure, they had that Dragons game where he pulled Lachlan Ilias off.
“He was criticised for that, now they have proven everyone wrong.”
Ilias finished with a try, a try assist, a line break, a line break assist and six tackle breaks in his side’s big 38-12 win to book a grand final rematch against the Panthers in Saturday’s preliminary final.
His performance caught the eye of rugby league legend Andrew Johns, who praised Rabbitohs powerbrokers for making the tough call to look towards the future.
The eighth Immortal even went as far as labelling Ilias “the best defensive halfback” in the NRL.
“Whoever made that decision should be applauded,” Johns said on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
MORE NRL NEWS
WHISPERS: Dragons young gun set to request immediate release
FROZEN OUT: Broncos tearing apart at the seams as internal rift revealed
FENECH: Footy Show mocked NRL icon Mario Fenech when it knew he was sick
‘HAS PLENTY TO GIVE’: Fifita tipped to land at shock club after Sharks exit
‘ACHILLES HEEL’: The problem Souths must fix as Demetriou declares ‘war’
“It was a tough decision to let Reynolds go. It’s a win-win for both sides, Brisbane won but also Souths have won.
“Every time I see him (Ilias), he’s building his game. Defensively I think he’s the best defensive halfback in the comp by a long way.”
NRL legend Billy Slater echoed Johns’ opinion, explaining it was the right call to put their faith in an untried playmaker.
“They haven’t just won this year, they’ve won for the next ten, 15 years,” Slated said.
“He’s a career player, and if he stays at South Sydney, then they’re going to reap the benefits over a long period of time.”
Anasta, who is Ilias’ player agent, revealed the young gun knew the pressure was on him to deliver after the Rabbitohs made the big call.
But, after absorbing the criticism and having to take over the halfback role from the “best seven to play for the club” — Anasta has been impressed by his performances.
“I’ve been proud of him, that’s just the kind of person he is, he’s really a low-key (person) and he’s done a solid job this year, he’s had a lot of pressure on him with the Reynolds stuff,” Anasta said on SEN 1170.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
“Souths got heavily criticised over it (letting Reynolds go), not saying it’s the worst decision they’ve ever made and Reynolds has had a great year in Brissy (Brisbane), if he was in the team who knows because he is a great player.”
“But Souths had to make a call there, he wanted 800 (thousand) over three years and he missed four or five games this year through injury.
“All of that put a lot of pressure on Lachie, but he is quite a humble kid who works hard and the players love him, it was his first year as a seven at a prestigious club who just lost someone who I think is the best seven to ever play for the club.”
