Playmaker Lachlan Ilias will call the Gold Coast home for the next two seasons after joining the Titans for the 2026 and ’27 seasons.
Ilias, 25, joins the Titans with 60 NRL appearances to his name, including stints with the Rabbitohs (2021–2024) and Dragons (2025)
“Lachlan is a smart, composed halfback who’s shown he can perform at the top level,” said Titans coach Josh Hannay.
He’s got a strong kicking game, good defensive instincts, and he’ll add real depth and competition to our halves.
“We’re building a squad for 2026 that are hungry and Lachlan fits that mould perfectly.”
The signing of Ilias came on the back of the recruitment of hooker Luke Sommerton from the Panthers on a two-year deal.
The 25-year-old has made 12 NRL appearances for the Panthers since debuting late in the 2023 season.
“We know Luke is a talented young hooker who’s come through a strong system at Penrith and shown he can compete at NRL level, but it is also about Luke’s standards that he sets within the playing group,” said Hannay.
He brings energy, and a real hunger to improve, and we’re excited to see him grow in our environment over the next two seasons.”
Promising back-rower Hamish Stewart has signed a contract extension with the Dragons through to the end of the 2029 season.
The 21-year-old debuted in Round 1 against Canterbury and went on to appear in 19 games as he took home the club’s NRL Emerging Talent Award.
We’ve been really pleased with Hamish’s progression over the past few seasons, and we’re excited to have locked him down long-term,” said Dragons coach Shane Flanagan.
“Since coming up into our NRL squad, the thing that’s stood out most is his work ethic. He’s a really good trainer and has all the necessary traits to grow into a leader for our club. He’s a local junior who’s come through our system here and loves the club, so we’re really excited to be able to keep him here.”
Star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has
Star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has played his last game for the Melbourne Storm after he was granted an immediate release from the club.
The 27-year-old had a year to run on his contract, but is now a free agent as he weighs up his options for the future.
Papenhuyzen emerged as a star throughout Melbourne’s charge to the 2020 premiership, however injuries have hampered his ability to stay on the field.
The fullback enjoyed a better run of health in 2025 and played a key role in the Storm’s run to the grand final.
“I’ve loved my time at Melbourne Storm,” Papenhuyzen said in a statement. “I’ve enjoyed close to a decade of incredible memories and experiences in the purple jersey. Playing in front of the Storm fans every week has made my time in Melbourne something I’ll never forget.
“I want to thank the club for their understanding and support throughout this process. I also want to thank my teammates, coaches and staff for all their love and support, it’s been a privilege playing footy and working with you.”
Emerging playmaker Jonah Pezet has locked in a unique agreement that will see him shift from Melbourne to Parramatta and eventually Brisbane throughout the next couple of years.
The promising halfback will join the Eels on a one-year deal for the 2026 season before shifting to Brisbane in 2027.
The three-year contract with the Broncos will see Pezet remain with the current premiers through to the end of the 2029 season and positions him as the likely replacement for veteran halfback Adam Reynolds.
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