Club legend Gavin Miller hopes the Sharks can finally reward Cronulla with a title

GAVIN Miller, one of the Sharks best ever players, says current skipper Paul Gallen and the rest of the Cronulla players deserve to win the club’s first title.

Cronulla Sharks RL players Gavin Miller (R) and Michael Porter after losing the game against Balmain at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney, 04/09/1988. Pic Steve Moorhouse.

GAVIN Miller was midway through a schooner when we found him.

Pouring, not drinking.

For even at 56, and with a pair of Dally Ms in his sock drawer, this Goulburn publican remains the same workaholic lock whose snoz became league’s unlikeliest symbol of persistence.

Which is why Gav, he has a soft spot for Gal.

“And, look, I know people think he’s arrogant,’’ Miller said of Sharks skipper Paul Gallen.

“But, personally, I don’t see it that way.

“I see a bloke with an unshakable desire to win. A footballer who just wants to beat you so badly.

“I really believe he deserves this premiership.”

But in rugby league, of course, what you deserve and what you get don’t necessarily align.

Just ask Miller.

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Arguably the greatest Sharks forward in 50 years, this 80s attacking force also stands among a group of club legends — think Steve Rogers, Greg Pierce, even Andrew ‘ET’ Ettingshausen — who never won a first grade title.

So as for how feels now, with his beloved Sharkies on the cusp of glory?

“Nostalgic,’’ Miller replies. “But this isn’t about me.

“It isn’t about men like the great ET. Or even the great Steve Rogers.

“Yes, we’ve all made a contribution to Cronulla. And having been underdogs for so many years, having come so close before, it would be great to get that monkey off our back.

“But still the focus this week belongs solely on the current crop of players ... they certainly deserve it.”

And so with that, we throw out a few names before his next beer order.

James Maloney? “Buy of the Year,’’ Miller replied. “Plays ad lib and adventurous. We just need those passes to stick Sunday.”

And Jack Bird? “X-factor”.

Wade Graham? “Matured wonderfully this year”.

And as for enigmatic fullback Ben Barba?

“Creates drama for defences. Same deal Valentine Holmes and Sosaia Feki. I’m hoping they all have one of those great days.”

Miller won back to back Dally M medals for the Sharks in 1988 and 1989.

Miller was also happy to talk about North Queensland powerhouse Jason Taumololo, who on Wednesday night became the first forward — outside a No. 9 — to win the Dally M in 27 years since him.

“Oh, super player,’’ the Sharks great oozed. “And takes some handling, doesn’t he?

“He deserves every accolade given after the way he played this year.”

Importantly, so do Cronulla.

Which is why early on Friday morning, Miller was picking up his brother, then two sons and driving north to attend the Sharks grand final lunch.

“Because would I miss this?” he cackled. “C’mon. Turn it up.

“For a start, Cronulla’s grand final lunch is one of the greatest days of the year. And now to actually have a team in it, fantastic.

“It does get you reminiscing, too.

“Although when you think it’s been 36 years since I arrived at the club. I mean, holy s ..., that’s a long time.

“I’m just hoping I’ll get into Cronulla Leagues Club Sunday night.”