True Blue Luke Lewis runs his eye over one of Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks’ newest recruits Lachlan Miller, the former Australian Rugby Sevens star set to graduate from the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup in Round 11.
With the Sharks looking to regain their NRL form after a loss to the Canberra Raiders. and regular fullback Will Kennedy still serving his suspension, Miller has been named to take up the custodian role for his NRL debut this weekend
Coming from a Rugby League background as a Coffs Harbour junior who also had a stint in the Queensland Cup, the 27-year-old Olympian has returned seemlessly to the 13-man game – making a huge impact for Sharks feeder club the Newtown Jets in his eight The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup appearances, winning seven.
On his current form it’s no surprise the blue-baggers are sitting pretty in second spot on the competition ladder.
Miller’s varied skillset and one-on-one capability have been invaluable assets in the Jets’ attack this season, with most involvements stemming from a sudden turn of pace and footwork, summing up numbers at speed, or a dangerous kick return in broken play.
The Short Side with Luke Lewis | Round 11
To put it simply, Miller is a constant threat with ball-in-hand and his NSW Cup numbers tell the story – leading the competition in tackle busts (49), second in line-break assists (eight) and among the top 10 for try assists (six) and line-breaks (six).
He may just be the perfect addition to a Sharks backline that plays high-tempo and possesses plenty of flair across the park with the likes of Nicho Hynes, Matt Moylan and the explosive Siosifa Talakai.
Lewy says:
“I can’t wait to see him play (NRL), he’s been absolutely on fire in the NSW Cup and I can’t wait to see what he does on the first grade field.
“He’s in a really good side with the Cronulla Sharks, he’s (got) footwork, agility, he’s been breaking tackles and making a whole heap of metres (128.4 per game).
“This guy, I think, will tear the field apart so I can’t wait to see him run around this weekend.”
