After just one season with St. George Illawarra, Lachlan Ilias could already be on the move, with the Gold Coast Titans emerging as the frontrunners to land the halfback.
The Queensland club is targeting the 25-year-old as they search for a long-term replacement for veteran playmaker Kieran Foran, who retired from the NRL this year after 16 seasons.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Ilias has already held talks with the Titans regarding a potential move north, with the club identifying him as the ideal candidate to strengthen their halves rotation.
With 60 NRL appearances to his name – including guiding the Rabbitohs to the 2022 preliminary finals despite starting the season in a backup role – Ilias is expected to play a key role in the Titans’ 2026 campaign under incoming head coach Josh Hannay.
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Although still contracted to the Dragons for the 2026 season, Ilias’ departure would come as little surprise, having struggled to cement a first-grade spot in his debut year with the club, making just seven appearances.
With Daniel Atkinson joining next season from the Sharks, alongside Kyle Flanagan and young gun Lykhan King-Togia all competing for halves positions, it seems unlikely the Dragons would stand in his way should the Titans make a formal offer.
The 25-year-old was later dropped to the NSW Cup team, where he played a pivotal role in guiding the side to the grand final, ultimately falling short against minor premiers, the New Zealand Warriors.
While Ilias has emerged as the Titans’ preferred option, the Daily Telegraph reported that the club had also considered Knights halfback Jackson Hastings as a potential successor. That option, however, has now been ruled out.