One of Jason Demetriou's first, and some would say his biggest, tests this year as Rabbitohs coach was filling the shoes of Adam Reynolds.
But after Sunday's Elimination Final victory over the Roosters, the rookie coach's decision to back 22-year-old Lachlan Ilias as the heir to the South Sydney number seven jersey is certainly starting to look like the right call.
The South Sydney junior has found himself under the NRL scrutiny spotlight all year after taking over from Reynolds, with last Sunday's game no different to the rest.
In front of a sold out fiery crowd and the weight of expectation, Ilias stood up when his side needed him most, showing great composure to steer Souths through a game that will live long in the mind of Rabbitohs fans.
There’s no training that can adequately prepare a player for a game like the Roosters-Rabbitohs derby but despite the intensity, Ilias remained clear-headed in attack and stood up in defence when his side needed him — chalking up 19 tackles and 10 runs in his 80-minute performance.
Match Highlights: Roosters v Rabbitohs
“That was definitely the biggest game I’ve ever played, it was an unreal atmosphere. I don’t know what Origin was like but I can’t imagine the intensity is too far off that," Ilias told NRL.com following Sunday’s win.
“Obviously, there were a lot of stoppages and the game went for more than two hours. It was the longest game I’ve ever played.
“I’ve never played with 11 players on the field so it was definitely a new challenge as a half, so it was unreal to get the win and I feel like after that we’re definitely prepared for what’s to come next.
"We’re up for the challenge against Cronulla; six days is going to be a quick turnaround but we’re looking forward to the opportunity."
He's getting better every week
As the youngest and most inexperienced halfback still standing in this year's finals series, Ilias said his teammates in the Rabbitohs spine hold “a calibre second to none” and have enabled him to find confidence on the field.
“Cody Walker especially been massive obviously he’s been in the squad the last few years... and has been huge in my own development,” Ilias told the media on Tuesday ahead of Saturday night’s Elimination Final against Sharks.
“He takes a lot of heat on and off the field which makes me feel better about myself.
“He’s great to play with. You just get the ball to him and he’ll do some magic stuff and makes the team look good.”
“Having him, Cooky [Damien Cook] and Cam [Cameron Murray] on the field definitely helps. Their calibre is second to none so they’re boys you want to play with every week and to have on the field during tough times.”
Win or go home - Sharks v Rabbitohs
It’s been a huge season for Ilias – who was deprived of almost two years of football experience after COVID-19 protocols cancelled the reserve grade and lower tier competitions throughout New South Wales.
The challenge of replacing a champion halfback like Reynolds was appearing to be a hurdle too hard to overcome for the young number seven — hooked during his side's Round 15 loss to the Dragons at WIN Stadium.
Yet since that night Ilias, with the support of coach Jason Demetriou, has played a pivotal role in the Rabbitohs' resurgence this year.
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“He’s [Demetriou] been massive, obviously he’s been part of the squad the past few years and he’s taken things to a new level as coach this year,” he said.
“I think I did feel too comfortable earlier on in the year and that was something ‘JD’ [Demetriou] and I talked about throughout this season. I think using each week as a challenge is something that has prepared me for the last few weeks.
“Some people say it’s been a rollercoaster, but I just think it’s been a high, I’ve loved my time here at Souths and I’m just enjoying my footy.”