LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Dragons halfback Lachlan Ilias faced criticism from coach Shane Flanagan after failing to secure a victory against Souths, losing by a point.
Despite Flanagan's comments, Ilias remains unfazed, stating, "You know me, I don't read anything, and I still don't really know what he said." Ilias acknowledges his responsibility as the team's No.7 and expressed his willingness to take on the criticism.
Following the game, Flanagan reached out to Ilias to apologize for his post-match comments, clarifying that there are no lingering issues between them.
The Dragons had a chance to secure a win against Souths but fell short, with Ilias and his teammates missing the opportunity to set up for a potential game-winning field goal.
Flanagan was critical of Ilias for not executing in the crucial moment, leading to a public rebuke of the young halfback.
Despite the setback, Ilias remains focused on learning from the experience and improving his performance in future games.
In response to Flanagan's criticism, Ilias emphasized his commitment to his role as the team's playmaker, stating, "I'm the No.7 here.
I know that carries a responsibility, and I told them when I came to the club that I wanted that responsibility." Despite the pressure that comes with playing such a key position, Ilias is determined to grow from the experience and move forward with a positive attitude.
Overall, Ilias remains optimistic about his future with the Dragons and is grateful for Flanagan's apology, recognizing the importance of constructive feedback in his development as a player.
He acknowledges that there is always room for improvement and is focused on continuing to learn and adapt to the challenges of professional rugby league.