Shane Flanagan has declared Lachlan Ilias' best years are still ahead of him, placing his faith in the halfback to replace Ben Hunt at St George Illawarra.
Ilias signed a two-year deal with the Dragons on Monday, ending eight months of uncertainty over his future at South Sydney.
The deal means he will likely partner Kyle Flanagan in the halves, as part of a new-look combination following Hunt's protracted exit last month.
Ilias was once at the centre of Souths' plans, thrown into the spotlight when they prioritised his future over re-signing Adam Reynolds.
He helped take the Rabbitohs to a preliminary final in his rookie year, but his game management was questioned as Souths gave up a big first-half lead to Penrith.
The No.7 was then axed after two games last season, paying the price for the Bunnies' 2023 capitulation and poor start to 2024.
Ilias was immediately given permission to leave, but a broken leg suffered weeks later in NSW Cup action dramatically slowed down the process.
"He is coming into the best years of his career," Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said.
"His skill set complements our current squad and he joins the exciting group of players we have recruited ahead of the 2025 season.
"He is progressing well through his rehab and he will be ready to go for the trials. Lachlan joins a squad that is working hard and are committed to an improved 2025.
"We can’t wait for him to rip in with us."
Ilias will link with his former dummy-half Damien Cook at the Dragons, giving him something of a head start in the spine.
The pair will also have an early grudge match with their old team, scheduled to face the Rabbitohs in round two in Wollongong.
Who South Sydney have in their halves for that match is also something of a mystery.
While Cody Walker and Jack Wighton finished the season there, Souths have purchased Englishman Lewis Dodd as a playmaker.
Manly rookie Jamie Humphreys has also shifted to Maroubra after an impressive debut last season, while Josh Schuster has also been signed.
