The Dragons are reportedly set to sign Rabbitohs halfback Lachlan Ilias after he completed a second medical exam on Friday.
That is according to Code Sports, who are reporting the Dragons had a three-player shortlist to replace outgoing star Ben Hunt.
Ilias, alongside Tigers utility Adam Doueihi and Sharks gun Daniel Atkinson were reportedly the three options.
Cronulla bosses reportedly had no intention of allowing Atkinson to depart, while both he and Doueihi’s current contracts expire at the end of the 2025 season.
An announcement regarding Ilias’ arrival at the Dragons is reportedly imminent, and the Rabbitohs reportedly won’t stand in his way from making an immediate move.
The 24-year-old will likely be handed a two-year deal by Shane Flanagan, wearing the No.7 alongside Kyle Flanagan at five-eighth.
Ilias’ exit from the Redfern club could reportedly have a ripple effect, with club bosses reportedly discussing a potential move for Matt Lodge.
Lodge is without a deal for next season and Bennett was the man who handed the front rower a chance to return to the NRL after his incident in the USA.
The move could only be made happen if cap space is cleared, however it remains no certainty the former Sea Eagles enforcer will join South Sydney.
SMITH’S NEXT MOVE
Brandon Smith’s management have reportedly begin their search to find the exiled hooker a new club after he was given permission to depart the Roosters.
That is according to Code Sports, who are reporting Smith’s agent reportedly sent an email to rival clubs regarding a potential move for the Kiwi international.
The email reportedly informed potential suitors to put their best foot forward to negotiate a potential deal, with his current contract expiring at the end of the 2025 season.
However, Smith, who is unavailable until midway through the 2025 season due a knee injury, is reportedly free to depart the Tricolours should he secure a move.
Smith’s likely to have a host of suitors, being one of the competition’s best hookers when fit and firing, whilst also having the ability to play lock.
TWO-HORSE RACE FOR HUNT’S SIGNATURE
The Dolphins are reportedly out of the race for Ben Hunt, leaving just three teams in play for the star’s services (Broncos, Bulldogs and Roosters).
Although that could soon be whittled down to two, with the Roosters dealing with salary cap pressures and likely unable to match the offers from the Broncos and Dogs.
At this stage, according to Code Sports, the Broncos are the frontrunners for Hunt’s signature, with a decision to be made early next week.
