HE’S played more than 250 first grade games in the NRL and English Super League but new Port City Breakers recruit Shane Millard is slightly nervous about tomorrow’s debut against local rivals Wauchope Blues.

After hanging up the boots, prematurely, at the end of last season, the former Sydney Roosters, Western Suburbs, South Sydney and St George-Illawarra forward-hooker has been coaxed to join the Group 3 club, of which his dad Dudley is secretary.

And, the first match awaiting him – a local derby at the Regional Sports Stadium that will decide who lifts the Port Macquarie News-Hastings Gazette Battle of the Hastings trophy in 2008.

So far, the Breakers and Blues cannot be separated, with two draws the outcome this year.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Millard admitted.

“But, at the same time, I haven’t placed any expectations on myself.

“I just want to see how I go – and enjoy it.”

Millard made his entrance into the NRL with the Roosters in 1996, and chalked up a further 47 appearances with the likes of the Magpies, Rabbitohs and Dragons.

He also ventured to England, registering more than 200 senior games and taking the field for Harlequins, Widnes, Leeds and Wigan in that time.

However, a knee injury while playing alongside Cronulla-bound Trent Barrett and ex-Australian Test star Phil Bailey at the Warriors, forced Millard to return to Australian shores.

He’s currently assistant coach with the Sharks’ Toyota Cup outfit, which in part of the NRL’s national under 20 competition.

“Honestly, I thought I’d played my last match,” he told the Port News.

“I was only coming home to visit dad and, after a bit of a chat, I asked him to register me with the Breakers.

“I’m happy to help the club out.

“I spoke to Ben Sprague (coach) and Darren Roach about the situation as well.

“As long as I’m not putting any player out, I’m keen to put my hand up.

“Plus, I’ll get to spend more time with dad.

“It would be great to win a premiership with him.”

Port City Breakers

First grade – Jason Jones, Scott Comber, Russell Gordon, Josh Hyde, Luke Turner, Jason Turner, Brett Fraser, Adam Atkins, Glen Littler, Scott Roach, Grant Roberts, Dane Dickson, Daniel Dumas; Mitch Fowler, Shane Millard

**

Round 11 draw:

Tomorrow –

Old Bar Beach v Taree City @ Old Bar

12.15pm: under 18 (referee S Murray, touch judges K Fuller, B Roche)

1.30pm: reserve grade (referee B Murray, touch judges K Fuller, B Roche)

3pm: first grade (referee W Archer, touch judges B Murray, S Murray; advisory board member I. Andrews)

Port City v Wauchope @ Regional Sports Stadium

1.15pm: under 18 (referee T Round, touch judges J Goldman, R Jasinski)

2.30pm: reserve grade (referee T Bannerman, touch judges T Round, J Goldman)

4pm: first grade (referee J Allan, touch judges R Jasinski, T Bannerman; advisory board member G Curtis)

**

Sunday –

Forster Tuncurry v Wingham @ Tuncurry

12.15pm: under 18 (referee G Bridge, touch judges T Martin, G Kerr)

1.30pm: reserve grade (referee G Green, touch judges T Martin, G Russell)

3pm: first grade (referee T Hardy, touch judges G Bridge, G Kerr; advisory board member T Hardy)