Miller's time comes as Wallaroos dream of NZ upset

Thu, Jul 11, 2024, 8:48 AM
Murray Wenzel - AAP
by Murray Wenzel - AAP
Desiree Miller's dream night continues as the winger becomes the second Wallaroo to score four tries

Desiree Miller scored a try for every year she's played rugby in the Wallaroos' drought-busting defeat of Fiji.

A former gymnast, swimmer and dancer, the 22-year-old also played hockey, soccer, basketball and tennis before kicking a footy in the park with her brother in 2020 changed everything.

Tickets to the Wallaroos 2024 Home Tests are available to purchase here.

The NSW Waratahs winger is a quick learner, a hat-trick in a winning Super Rugby Women's final in April just the entree to her record-equalling four-try haul in Sydney on Saturday.

"Ask me three years ago if I'd be here, scoring four tries for my country, absolutely not," Miller told AAP ahead of Australia's Test against New Zealand in Brisbane on Sunday.

"I was in (COVID-19) lockdown, playing soccer and loved it, but it was time for a change."

All four of Miller's tries in a 64-5 defeat of Fiji - the side's first in four Tests under new coach Jo Yapp - required power, speed and a touch of class.

"I played so much sport growing up and the rugby I've been able to pick up from all those disciplines," she said.

"With the gymnastics background people have asked, 'When are you going to backflip (after scoring a try)?' 

"Not yet, not yet ... I just don't want to hit anyone. Maybe if I get a runaway try, that'd be cool. But I've got to get there first."

That would be handy at Ballymore against the Black Ferns, who have won all of their 25 clashes - most of them by hefty margins - dating back to their first encounter in 1994.

New Zealand beat Yapp's side 67-19 in May, Australia's total their highest in a damning reflection of their trans-Tasman neighbour's dominance.

"We have nothing to lose and we know a win is coming," Miller insists. 

"Each time we get better and pick apart more and identify more opportunities."

Rugby Australia has committed to boosting the professionalism of the program ahead of Australia hosting the 2029 World Cup.

And Miller wants to be front and centre of that movement, despite the inevitable attraction of the NRLW.

"None directly," she said when asked if any clubs from the rival code had come calling. 

"I love rugby and love the people I've met through it and the friendships. I love league, but rugby's for me.

"Since joining the program last year I've already seen massive improvements.

"It's a bigger picture than just us; it's for the next generation, keeping the Wallaroos name alive for generations."

Share
Paris Olympic Games 2024: Rugby Sevens Fixtures
Wilson hungry to take latest Wallabies opportunity
Nick Malouf is hungry to avoid past failures and come back with a medal. Photo: Getty Images
Malouf, Australia Sevens enter Olympic village with redemption on their mind
The Wallabies take on Georgia in Sydney. Photo: Getty Images
Wallabies v Georgia: How to watch in Australia, teams, fixtures and more