The Rabbitohs have reportedly signed English Super League halfback Lewis Dodd, potentially spelling the end of Lachlan Ilias’s time at the embattled South Sydney club.
Lewis Dodd is a 22-year-old half from St Helens best known in Australian circles for kicking the match-winning field goal against the Penrith Panthers in the 2023 World Club Challenge.
The half had reportedly been in demand by multiple NRL clubs before the Englishman opted to join the Rabbitohs.
The highly touted half’s signing casts significant doubt over the future of Lachlan Ilias at South Sydney, after the young half was initially positioned as the long-term successor to Adam Reynolds.
Ilias began the season in first grade before being dropped to NSW Cup where he suffered a fractured tibia and is facing a recovery of three to six months.
Speaking on Breakfast with Vossy & Brandy, SEN's Michelle Bishop provided an update on Ilias’ murky future.
“(Dodd’s signing) obviously leaves poor old Lachie (Lachlan) Ilias out in the cold,” Bishop said.
“It’s a tough spot for Lachie to come from, in reserve grade and busted. He’s still got another year to run on his contract.
“I did inquire with a few clubs and there were some suggestions over the weekend that the Bulldogs were keen on him but at the moment that is not the case, they are not looking at Lachie Ilias.”
It leaves Ilias’s road back to first grader unclear for the imminent future.
English backs have had a mixed track record when transitioning to the NRL, with stars of the Super League Zak Hardaker, Sam Tomkins, and Ryan Hall, amongst others, struggling to find regular form in Australian conditions.
Meanwhile, Andrew Voss revealed he suspects Souths will come back from England with more than one signature.
“My mail is South Sydney will have more than one Englishmen on their books next year… they will snare more than one Super League player,” Voss said.
“Mark Ellison, the football manager… he’s in transit to get the paperwork done but I think his plan is to come back with more than one signature.”
Once confirmed, Dodd won’t arrive until 2025, meaning the Rabbitohs will have to avoid the wooden spoon without their new recruit themselves, starting with the Penrith Panthers on Thursday.