LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Lachlan Ilias' future at the Dragons is uncertain as he faces being dropped for Magic Round, with young playmaker Lyhkan King-Togia set to replace him.
The Dragons announced on Tuesday that King-Togia, who has just signed an extension until the end of the 2027 season, is expected to make his NRL return this weekend against the Tigers.
Reports suggest King-Togia could be upgraded to the Dragons' top-30 roster next season.
This news marks a significant challenge for Ilias, who was recently warned by his manager, Braith Anasta, that he likely had only "two or three weeks" to improve his performance or risk being axed.
Anasta's comments came after Ilias faced criticism for his game management, particularly following two poor losses earlier this season.
An incident arose where Ilias mismanaged a 40/20 kick that went out on the full against Parramatta, contributing to the Eels' victory in golden point during round five.
Additionally, coach Shane Flanagan publicly reprimanded him for failing to secure a win against Souths in round two.
Anasta's candid assessment noted, "He's got to be better...
You just can't do that," reflecting the urgency for Ilias to enhance his performance.
Flanagan is reportedly set to drop Ilias to reserve grade after his disappointing start, echoing a similar incident from last year when Ilias struggled at Souths before an injury derailed his comeback.