\u201cI think I\u2019ve taken a lot of lessons out of it, to be honest. At Souths, obviously I was injured, which was unlucky, and the Dragons just didn\u2019t go the way we wanted.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I think I grew as a player stepping down to reserve grade. I took a leadership role for that team, and I had to, as a senior player.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone was really lively at training, and we were winning games as well. But enough about the Dragons, I\u2019m here at the Titans now, and I\u2019m proud to be a Titan \u2013 it\u2019s really refreshing; it\u2019s a whole new environment.\u201d<\/p>\n
When Titans coach Josh Hannay launched his preseason, he stressed that Ilias had not lost the ability that initially had South Sydney plotting his future in the No.7 jumper.<\/p>\n
He was a man down on his confidence who needed an opportunity, the new coach said.<\/p>\n
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But Ilias said he was undaunted by the mountain he must climb to consistently claim an NRL role, and wants to be the man who ends the Titans\u2019 halfback revolving door.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can unlock the other boys. You\u2019ve got a strong forward pack and some speed on the edges, so if I can just do my bit in the middle and control the middles, it will allow those boys with speed on the edges to run and have fun,\u201d Ilias said.<\/p>\n
\u201c[But] I\u2019d be open to anything the team needs. Obviously, I want to be the seven, but if the 14 [utility] is my role, then it is what it is.\u201d<\/p>\n