Berry's Will Miller was among the Brumbies best in their victory over the Sunwolves, the breakaway crossing for a first-half try in the 47-14 win.

Miller's performance came on the back of another impressive showing against the Chiefs a fortnight ago and coach Dan McKellar was full of praise for his breakaway.

"Will was very good," McKellar said.

"I thought he was excellent against the Chiefs.

"He's a smart footballer, he brings an on-ball presence.

"I think what's really underrated is his attacking game.

"He's one of those guys who pops up in the right areas.

"He played well."

Read more: Goerlach edges closer to dream after Devonport domination

Miller's appearance in Wollongong only came about as a result of a unique turn of events, the Brumbies clash hastily relocated from Osaka to WIN Stadium as a result of the spread of coronavirus.

The match resulted in Friday becoming the biggest day in the sport's history in the region.

The Illawarra Rugby Season launch was followed by the Brumbies date with the Sunwolves, before the locals took centre stage for the Steel City Challenge between Illawarra and Hunter and the Waratahs and Chiefs closed out the day.

The three matches were played in front of healthy, if not significant, crowds, the week's weather putting a dampener on the build up to the event.

Read more: Cricket faces some bumpers but sizes up to its challenges

Miller said it was an honour to play in front of his friends and family and he hopes to see top-flight rugby return to the Illawarra in the years to come.

"It's great the Waratahs brought a game down here," Miller said.

"It's good for the community here in Wollongong and the Illawarra.

"Even down the South Coast, there were people talking about it, it's great.

"I think the more games down here the better.

"I think rugby down here gets bashed a little bit too much.

"We're probably not far off the pace and if we can keep going the way we're going, we can do well and keep growing the game through the juniors."

Miller arrived in Canberra after stints in Melbourne and Sydney, the breakaway spending the last two years playing for the Waratahs.

That period saw the Shoalhaven junior sitting behind Australian captain Michael Hooper, with the 27-year-old jumping at the chance to replace David Pocock at the Brumbies in 2020.

Read more: Lucas sharpens his skills ahead of new crusade with Knights

Miller will now turn his focus to a reunion with Hooper and the Waratahs, the Brumbies to host their fierce rivals in a crucial Australia conference clash next Sunday afternoon.

"They're in a position where they've got the best seven in Australia," Miller said of Hooper.

"I wanted to do what I can and I didn't have the opportunities there that I would've liked and that's why I moved.

"I'd like to put everything out there I can, do everything I can to do the best for our team because I want this team's momentum to pick up and push forward throughout the season.

"It will be a great match, hopefully, if I get a nod from the coaches.

"It's just one week at a time for me, next week will be great if I do get that chance.

"I'm just going to put whatever I can towards this team and hopefully the team goes well and I work forward through that."