South Sydney club legends Craig Coleman and Craig Field have turned on halfback Lachlan Ilias after the Rabbitohs failed to make the top eight this season.
On Sunday, it was reported by The Daily Telegraph that the two legends turned on Ilias. The duo took to social media to describe what they thought of the young playmaker after the loss to the Sydney Roosters, ruling them out of finals contention.
“I've got to get it off my chest – don't care what the people at Souths think – but number 7 is not up to what this coach thinks. I was far from a perfect player but @8)(: me," Craig Field wrote.
The comment from Field would then be liked by another Rabbitohs legend, Craig Coleman. This would later receive attention from Ilias' agent, Braith Anasta, who spoke to the publication.
“Lachy really looks up to and respects Craig (Coleman) and appreciates the legacy that he left at South Sydney,” Anasta said.
“For this reason it amazes me that a guy that could have such a positive impact on Lachy decides to do the opposite and criticise him continuously whenever and wherever he can.
“Some people have short memories. He should be trying to inspire the kid and help him be better- not the opposite.”
Since the comment from Anasta, Coleman has fired back at the former Bulldogs, Roosters and Tigers player, admitting he wants to meet with Ilias and help guide him.
“Ilias is a gutsy player who plays with 100 per cent effort but there is a huge difference between playing half in rugby league and being an outside centre in rugby union, which Ilias was," Coleman said via News Corp.
“If Braith would like to arrange a meeting with his client I would be only too happy to have a chat with him.
“I hope he (Ilias) can turn constructive criticism into a positive and become a great Souths halfback because the team really needs one.”
Multiple former rugby league legends would praise the comments from Coleman, including the likes of Roosters legend Kevin Hastings, former Panther Terry Wickey, and ex-Rabbitohs players Neil Baker, Wayne Chisholm and David Boyle, among others.