Leeds Rhinos full-back Lachie Miller is nearing a return from injury but will have a tough job to dislodge Jake Connor when he does with the Australian admitting “you can’t leave him out” about when discussing the ex-Huddersfield man.
The signing of Connor raised a few eyebrows amongst the Headingley faithful but it’s fair to say they’ll be eating their words now with Connor arguably Leeds’ best and most consistent player so far this season, scoring in the Rhinos’ 38-24 win over Castleford this past weekend.
Connor has spent all of his time so far at full-back and his squad number of 18 gave no major indication of where Brad Arthur wanted to play him but that question will have to be answered when first-choice full-back Lachie Miller returns from injury.
Miller suffered an injury during the off-season and has yet to play but the Australian has now spoken on the Leeds Rhinos YouTube channel to reveal his is just over a week away from being ready for selection.
When that happens, Brad Arthur will have to decide if he backs his pre-season first-choice full-back or the man who has stepped up and lit it up. Moreover, if he opts for Miller then where does Connor play with even Miller declaring “you can’t leave him out”.
Leeds Rhinos full-back gives Jake Connor verdict as he nears injury return
Credit: John Clifton/SWpix.com
Connor’s toughest test as Leeds Rhinos full-back came on the weekend as he had to anchor a spine that had young Jack Sinfield and second-rower Morgan Gannon in the halves, however, the ex-Huddersfield man picked up another Man of the Match medal.
Speaking on that performance, Miller said: “He had to stand up because obviously Frawls was out, Cam was out, Crofty was out, so he was the last indicator left. I thought he did stand up, he played really well, he scored our first try.
“He’s been really good the whole pre-season. He can do things that not many people can do. His catch pass is really, really good. He looks a lot fitter this year, he looks good and he’s kicking well for us.”
So far, Connor has racked up one try, four assists, and kicked 11 two-pointers, leaving Miller to admit: “It’ll be tough to go back and try and get my position back but that’s what we want as a club. We want competition because then that breeds success.
“His decision-making a lot of the time is spot-on so you can’t leave him out of the team and as I said, I’ve got some work ahead of me to try and get that position back. But we’re winning games, so he’s doing a great job.”
Miller also confirmed that he will be available for selection when Leeds take on St Helens in the Challenge Cup, however, he admitted that being fit and being selected are two different things.
“I’m just desperate, but yeah, there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” said the Australian when asked about a return to play.
“I’ve done some tough sessions last week and then looking to train with the team on Wednesday for the first time, which is exciting.
“Unfortunately I’m not quite there yet, but when the boys go across to Catalans and put in a good performance, hopefully after that I’ll be up for selection, heading into the Challenge Cup, which will be exciting.
“As I said, I’ve got to be up for selection to be fit and then whether we get picked or not, that’s another story.”
