Leeds Rhinos have made a whole host of signings for the 2024 season and one of the most exciting of those is full-back Lachie Miller, the former Olympian making the move to Super League aged 29.
Miller joined whilst the 2023 season was still ongoing but since then Richie Myler and Luke Hooley have both left Headingley meaning the starting full-back slot is certain to be Millers, something that was further evidenced when he was handed the number one jersey.
The Australian had formerly represented Australia at the Olympics as part of the Men’s Sevens team in Tokyo before his brief NRL career with Cronulla Sharks and Newcastle Knights.
Speaking to BBC West Yorkshire though the speedster has explained how the move has come about, and what exactly he’s expecting from Super League.
Miller explained: “Obviously, I think I watched a bit of the Super League and then when Rohan gave me a call, the way he wanted to play and then the way I like to play, I really thought that there was something for me over here.
“Then from there pretty much talks got going pretty quick and my family we always want to come over eventually and yeah here we are.”
On the nature of Super League and how his skills will fit in, he said: “Well, I see a lot of ball movement, obviously a lot of those nippy blokes have gone really well in the past few seasons, and then coming across to this team that they already had, with blokes like Harry Newman and some of the forwards that they have here.
“Then with the Spine, they’ve added Andy, Crofty and Matt Frawley. It’s just pretty exciting to be a part of. So it’s a quality team here, it’s a quality squad.”
Miller will be one of four changes to the club’s starting spine with only new captain Cameron Smith likely to retain a starting spot after the 2023 season, however he is the only addition that doesn’t have Super League experience.
Andy Ackers and Brodie Croft arrive from Salford Red Devils whilst fellow NRL recruit Matt Frawley has previously played in Super League for Huddersfield Giants.
Miller looks set to take to the field on Boxing Day for the Rhinos traditional friendly against Wakefield Trinity, but his season long goals revolve more around repaying those who made the move happen.
“I want to give back to Rohan and Gary who have given me a great opportunity across here, and then obviously I want to make my family proud,” Miller explained.
“So that’s the only sort of things I’ve got at the moment and then I’m obviously off the back of that really get out there and play for these fans.”
