Demetriou was in no mood to explain why Ilias had been dropped, saying “that’s inside information” when asked if the club’s leadership group was behind the move to axe the No.7.

“Lachie knows it’s a step sideways to go forwards again,” he said.

The coach preferred to heap praise on Hawkins, who he said was a popular member of the group.

“What I do know about Deano is he has a calm head, he’s a South Sydney junior, he’s red and green through and through,” Demetriou later told this masthead.

“He’s direct but calm, and his footy knowledge is as good as any player I’ve coached. He knows he can adapt in-game, which is key to him.

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“He’s developed that the last couple of years in reserve grade, and learned his craft without the pressure of first grade. That’s so important for some of these young guys. Lachie will get that the next few weeks as well.”

Hawkins is a Matraville Tigers junior who passed on the chance to fast-track his development in the Super League in favour of train-and-trial deals with his beloved Bunnies.

He cut his knee on a signage sign when joining mates in the stands on the night he debuted, requiring 15 stitches.

Demetriou was criticised by former winger Josh Mansour this week who spoke about his final year at the club being the most difficult of his career, and how he would receive mixed messages from the coach.

When asked about Mansour’s comments, Demetriou said: “I’ll let Josh be Josh, and I’ll be me. That’s one thing I learned from last year, that I’ll continue to turn up here and be me. That’s all I’m worried about.”

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