JAKE CONNOR has identified Lachie Miller as the one to beat in 2026 following the new ruck interpretations.
Players must now not encroach within ten metres of an opponent waiting for the ball and must immediately retire once an opponent secures possession.
That is intended to speed up the ruck – and livewire Miller is expected to cash in with his electric running game set to cause all sorts of problems for opposition defences.
In 2025, Miller made 526 carries and 4,516 metres making him easily Leeds’ most potent attacking weapon going forward.
And his teammate, Connor, believes that the former Cronulla Sharks playmaker can take his game to the next level following the new rulings in 2026.
“I think it will benefit a lot of players. But, besides that, I’m looking forward to seeing Lachie Miller,” Connor said.
“He should be the best player by far with the new rules in Super League. He looks in the best shape he has been in.
“He has been killing it in training so I’m excited to seeing him play on the back of quick rucks.”
Playing alongside Brodie Croft and Miller last year, Connor was able to nail down that halfback spot.
But, the 31-year-old believes the Rhinos will be an even greater force going forward due to the amount of time the trio have spent together in the off-season.
“We built so well, I think one thing with this season is that me, Lachie Miller and Brodie Croft have had a lot of time together in pre-season.
“Last year, we had next to none and I was playing fullback. So it took us until round 20 to get going.
“We look so more fluent this year, time will tell but we’ve got to learn on last year.
“This is my 13th season and I’ve been nowhere near a Grand Final.
“Now’s the time I need to start getting some silverware. We’ve definitely got the coaching staff and players but we’ve just got to improve on little details.”