Australian Olympian Lachie Miller stuns on debut for Cronulla Sharks

Aussie Olympian Lachie Miller had a sensational NRL debut at fullback, scoring an 80m cracker in front of family and friends.

Lachlan Miller of the Sharks. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Olympian Lachie Miller had a sensational NRL debut at fullback and Nicho Hynes stepped up on his return to halfback to inspire the Sharks to a vital 25-18 win over the Titans.

The 27-year-old Miller, who represented Australia in sevens rugby at the Tokyo Olympics, split the Gold Coast defence to score an 80m cracker in the second half to cap a memorable match in front of his family at CBUS Super Stadium.

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“It was pretty special. To be fair, the first eight months at this club have been some of the best of my sporting career so this really topped it off,” he said after the victory.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to play on some pretty big stages before and obviously the boys I had around me, all that experience, helped and really settled my nerves and I felt ready to go.

“I loved my time in rugby union but when I was young, it was a dream to play NRL. Since coming back here with this group of boys … it’s like a family. They got me to a position where I was ready to debut and I can’t thank them enough.’’

The win took the Sharks to fourth spot on the ladder and has put another nail in the coffin of the Titans finals hopes, which are all but over after just 11 rounds.

After the scores were locked at 6-6 at the break, Hynes supported Ronald Mulitalo down the middle of the park to score and then put Mulitalo in with a three-man cut-out pass.

Miller then put his stamp on the match when the Titans watched a bomb bounce. Miller swooped and his electrifying speed did the rest.

Only four points separate the Sharks and the Dragons in 11th as the fight for top eight spots intensifies. It was a vital win for Cronulla and they had big contributions from hooker Blayke Brailey and centre Siosifa Talakai.

Miller lived up to the wraps about his talents, which he had been showcasing for Newtown. This was next level and he went up a few gears. Miller’s 254m from 19 runs with nine tackle breaks was just stunning.

It is no surprise he was a hit in sevens rugby with his speed, involvement and elusiveness all a highlight.

“What a fantastic moment. Lachie Miller making his debut at 27. What a great story,” former Penrith captain Greg Alexander told Fox League.

Lachlan Miller of the Sharks celebrates a try. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Titans frustrate

The Sharks had 75 per cent of the territory in the first half but the home side aimed up. AJ Brimson and Beau Fermor both came up with try savers but in the second stanza the Gold Coast went to sleep with the Sharks scoring three tries in 11 minutes.

As is their want, the Titans came to the life when trailing 24-6 but top sides don’t make of such a habit of it. Gold Coast’s middle forwards Moe Fotuaika, Jarrod Wallace and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui were outmuscled by Toby Rudolph, Royce Hunt and Cameron McInnes early.

Rudolph stole the ball off Fotuaika to change the momentum in the first half to showcase which team was more desperate. Wallace is in try-scoring form, scoring a superb double after also crossing against the Dragons the previous week, but he didn’t have enough help.

Hynes hits back

Hynes, disappointed in his display the previous week against Canberra at fullback, came up with the big plays when Cronulla needed them.

Miller’s elevation enabled him to slot back into his best position in the Sharks outfit at number seven. Hynes took control and landed a late field goal to ice the cake.

His display was another reminder to NSW coach Brad Fittler of his versatility in the race for the number 14 jersey.

Jayden jousts

The Titans look a far better team with the multi-talented Jayden Campbell at fullback but they rely far too much on him for creative spark.

The electric number one did his level best to get the Gold Coast into the game and set up Esan Marsters late to set up a tense final few minutes. The rest of the members of the spine need to offer more when the game is there to be won.