NRL 2023: Rugby Sevens stars who can become NRL success stories like Lachie Miller

After the successful transition of Knights star Lachlan Miller, more rugby seven converts are set to consider a rugby league switch. See the top five stars who could thrive in the NRL.

Lachlan Miller. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Lachie Miller may be the first success story of a Rugby Sevens player switching to rugby league, and he may not be the last.

So says another sevens convert in Will Warbrick, who is also well on the way to entrenching his way in the 13-man game with the Melbourne Storm.

Miller will continue his impressive start to the season, and help Newcastle extend their unbeaten run to three games, when the Knights host the Warriors on Sunday.

The 28-year-old leads the league in tackle busts with 32, five clear of his nearest rival in Josh Addo-Carr, while he is also equal fourth in average total run metres with 179 metres.

And Warbrick, who faced off against Miller when New Zealand met Australia when they were playing sevens at the Tokyo Games, will likely be a keen observer.

He’s kept an eye on his fellow ex-sevens talent since swapping codes last year.

Lachie Miller has been a revelation. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“When I first came over, I didn’t realise (Lachie) had sort of made the same kind of change (from Sevens to NRL) as well,” Warbrick said.

“I was actually keeping an eye on how he was going, especially when I hadn’t played first grade yet and was just playing Queensland Cup, I was seeing how he was going.

“I think he made his debut last season, so when I saw he made his debut, it kind of gave me a little bit of inspiration or motivation.

“It was like, if he can do it, there’s no reason why I can’t.

“And he’s actually playing quite well from what I’ve seen.”

So well that it has literally paid off.

Miller stunned the NRL with on debut for Cronulla, carrying the ball for a whopping 271 metres and busting nine tackles to go with a maiden try in a win over Gold Coast.

His blistering speed, evasiveness and high motor was enough for the Knights to entice him out of the Shire on a three-year deal worth around $300,000 a season.

With salaries for sevens players ranging between $80,000 and $150,000, Miller’s success could prompt more rugby types to follow suit.

Warbrick, who is off-contract and setting himself up for an extension, wouldn’t be surprised if players the ilk of Australian playmaker Dietrich Roache take a peek over the fence.

Will Dietrich Roache consider a move? Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Roache won an NRL Schoolboys Trophy with Fairfield Patrician Brothers in 2018.

Miller and Warbrick aren’t the only sevens players that find themselves on an NRL roster, with Canterbury also boasting Jeral Skelton, brother of Wallabies lock Will in their top-30.

“There’s players on the Sevens circuit that are probably just as athletic or talented, but at the end of the day it’s up to them if they want to try league,” Warbrick said.

“It’s not just Sevens, it’s any athlete that I guess is pretty determined and have some of the attributes that these league boys have.

“In Sevens, there’s some fast athletes. There’s some tall, lean, athletic guys, so it’s more or less up to that individual I guess.

“If they want to play NRL, they’ll find a way to make it happen.”

SEVENS STARS WHO CAN MAKE THE SWITCH

Joseva Talacolo

Fiji

One of the most athletically gifted players in the game, Talacolo could play across numerous positions in the forwards and backs, such is his quality. At 196cm, he is a key lineout and kick restart jumper for the Flying Fijians and outleaps most rivals. After an injury last year, the 26-year-old has now bulked up to 108kg, has deadlifted nearly 200kg and has a top speed of 36km/h – quicker than Xavier Coates and Tolutau Koula. Talacolo also has a massive engine, clocking a score of more than 20 in the yoyo test. He would be a sensational fullback, winger or backrower in the NRL.

Joseva Talacolo scores a try for New Zealand. Picture: AFP

Dietrich Roache

Australia

The Aussie playmaker has the natural skills to transition back to the 13-man game. You read that right, back to league – Roache grew up playing the game and won the NRL Schoolboy Trophy with Fairfield Patrician Brothers in 2018. He only switched codes later that year and has become an indispensable member of the Australian team that claimed their first World Series championship last year. He can pass with both hands, has a skilful kicking game and kicks goals, and has run the 40m in 4.59 seconds. The 21-year-old would be a dangerous half or fullback in league.

Payton Spencer

New Zealand

The 18-year-old son of All Blacks legend Carlos Spencer scored with his first touch in the World Series circuit in Sydney and has the ideal attributes to be an NRL star. He is much bigger than dad, standing 191cm and weighing 95kg already. He plays fullback in XVs and would be a handful in the same position in league, with deft timing and sizzling speed.

Payton Spencer. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Caleb Tangitau

New Zealand

He is just 20 years old, stands 191cm and weighs 100kg but can step like Kalyn Ponga and fend like Jason Taumalolo. Tangitau has just burst onto the Sevens scene for New Zealand but it is clear he will be a mainstay of the team for years to come and become a proven matchwinner, given his pace and attacking instincts.

Caleb Tangitau makes a break against Australia at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Picture: Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images

Marcos Moneta

Argentina

One of the fastest players in Sevens, Moneta is a natural finisher that would find a comfortable home on the wing in the NRL. The 23-year-old has scored 81 tries in 96 World Series games. Moneta won the World Series player of the year in 2021 and has clocked a top speed of 38.7km/h, on par with Josh Addo-Carr.