LEEDS RHINOS’ Lachlan Miller accepted his three-game ban – but hopes there will be a crucial change to rule interpretations in 2027.
The Aussie fullback completes his suspension when Rhinos face Toulouse Olympique on Friday.
He was banned by the match review panel after a Grade E charge of ‘unnecessary contact with a player who is injured or may be injured’.
It occurred during Leeds’ loss at Wigan Warriors when Miller ran from dummy-half near his own try line and made contact with Ollie Partington, who was kneeling next to the ruck clutching his shoulder before returning to the defensive line.
Miller missed games against Huddersfield Giants and St Helens but returns when Brad Arthur’s side visit Warrington Wolves on Thursday week (June 18).
Asked about the ban, the 31-year-old said: “It is what it is.
“You have to protect the injured players, which I fully understand.
“In my view, coming into it, I didn’t see him as an injured player. But looking back at the footage and what they see, I can understand where they’re coming from.”
However, Miller hopes changes can be made to the disciplinary process.
He said: “I just think that maybe in future there could be a bit of a grading system put in place.
“Because obviously if you’re picking up a player who’s been knocked out or has a spinal injury, I think it’s very different to someone who’s getting up and may or may not be injured and plays the rest of the game.
“I’m happy with the decision because it’s consistent. But maybe next year there can be a bit of a change?”
Miller had been in excellent form, emerging as the top pick from panelists for the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award after nine rounds.
He said: “It’s always nice to get a bit of recognition.
“But our team has been playing really well, our middles have been doing a really good job and that just makes my job easy.
“To be honest, I was quite surprised. There’s some really good players out there and I thought I’d be nowhere near it. I didn’t think I’d be in there.
“But it was nice to get it and that personal gratification.”