Dream Team full-back Lachie Miller insists he still has a part to play in Leeds Rhinos’ attempt at Grand Final glory.

Miller’s season on the field ended two weeks ago when he suffered a hamstring injury early in Rhinos’ loss to Wigan Warriors. That didn’t prevent him being selected as Betfred Super League’s top full-back and he has pledged to do “whatever I can” to assist his teammates’ preparations for their home semi-final on Friday, September 25 and - all being well - the title decider eight days later.

Miller doesn’t need an operation and is expected to be back training early in pre-season. He said. “[I can do] a little bit here and there, offer help to anyone that needs help.

“We’re in a good position, we’ve done the hard work. It’s just more about being there for the boys and supporting them. There’s not much I can do, but if there is anything, I’ll be there.”

Leeds Rhinos' Lachie Miller in his 2026 Dream Team kit during Monday's Super League play-offs launch at Old Trafford. Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com.

placeholder image — Leeds Rhinos' Lachie Miller in his 2026 Dream Team kit during Monday's Super League play-offs launch at Old Trafford. Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com.

Rhinos coach Brad Arthur has covered for Miller’s absence by moving captain Ash Handley from centre to the number one role. Miller insisted: “The good thing about Ash is he’s a really smart player.

“I’ve said if he wants anything from me he’s more than welcome to ask, but you don’t want to bombard him. He’s a class player - he did a really good job on the weekend.”

Miller, who had a similar issue at the end of the 2024 season, has been one of Rhinos’ and Super League’s form players this year and his injury was a huge blow, to both him personally and the team. However, he’s taking a philosophical approach.

Lachie Miller, seen in action agianst Leigh Leopards, had an outstanding year for Leeds Rhinos before suffering a season-ending hamstring injury. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.

“The timing wasn’t great, but the reason I’m not super upset about it right now is because I know the team can still go on and win,” he stated. “It is what it is.

“It’s a new injury, the other side to the previous one. I’ve done a lot of work this year to stay fit and stay healthy and it’s just one of things - I must have landed wrong. It’s a tough sport, injuries happen. I was playing with an eye socket injury anyway and maybe in hindsight I shouldn’t have played.”

Past experience meant Miller knew just how bad the damage was as soon as it happened. He added: “I was almost positive when I did it that I was done. I did the other one two years ago and this felt worse, but I don’t think it is as bad. It was pretty painful at the time, I couldn't walk for a couple of days but now it feels like it’s sweet, which is frustrating.”

The facial injury was suffered a week earlier when Rhinos won at St Helens. Had he played a full game or more he would have needed surgery at the end of the season, but that is now unnecessary.

Leeds Rhinos captain and stand-in full-back Ash Handley, left, with players from the other five Super League play-off teams at Old Trafford. Left-right: Umyla Hanley (Leigh), Caleb Hamlin-Uele (Wakefield), Ben Currie (Warrington), Jez Litten (hull KR) and Brad O'Neill (Wigan). Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

“It wasn't really a tough decision for me, as long as the doctors were happy with it,” he said of playing with a fractured eye socket. “It was a big game, I wanted to play in it and we wanted to get our first piece of silverware, which was the main thing. I don't have to make as many tackles as some, so it was a bit more comfortable.”