The Knights’ signing of Lachie Miller has opened up his huge potential and a golden opportunity for him to become a regular NRL starter after taking the cross gamble.
The 28-year-old represented Australia in Rugby Sevens at the Tokyo Olympics before Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon gave him a chance at the Sharks.
Miller played seven games in his NRL debut season and clearly impressed the Newcastle powers who appointed him as the club’s new fullback.
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A bit lucky Bronco after the Eels 02:01
Miller himself was soon overwhelmed by how quickly his rugby league dream turned into reality.
“If you had asked me 12 months ago where I thought I would be, I wouldn’t have said here,” Miller told SMH.
“I was happy to just play one game in the NRL and then pinballed.
“The balls were really nice to let me go, they didn’t. At my age, let them see the benefit of my coming here, and my future agency for myself and my family.
“I never thought in a million years that I would be in this position. Thinking about an integral part of the spine is a pretty cool feeling. I want to pay the soldiers in spades for him.
To secure Miller’s transfer, Newcastle reportedly had to allow prop Max Bradbury to join the Sharks.
That move allowed marquee star Kalyn Ponga to move into the halves in the bid to have the best player with the ball in hand.
Klemmer looking to lead the tigers again 02:30
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Jackson Hastings has also made a move to Hunter, forming a new spine under Adam O’Brien, who is desperate for his side to return to the finals.
“He just met (Ponga), and we feel like he’s going to do,” Miller said.
“Everyone knows what he can do and what a great ballplayer he is.
“I also saw his footwork in the pre-season, and he was so clever and good at abusing defenders. If we can form a combination playing with each other, it will be good.”
Miller is likely to feature for his new club in his first clash – against the Sharks in Gosford on February 10.
TITAN YOUNG GUN’S HORRIFIC INJURY
The Titans have thrown their support behind one of the club’s rising stars after the young gun was taken to hospital following a match over the weekend.
Joseph Pouniu was in charge of the under 17s team in a game against the Broncos in Burleigh when he collided with the metaposts.
According to MyGC, Pouniu suffered a serious neck injury and was rushed to a Brisbane hospital.
Storm again in Aus and ready to fire 01:07
The young star is in serious but stable condition according to the Titans club.
Titans chief executive Steve Mitchell spoke highly of Pouniu and sent his support behind the team leader.
“Joseph is an awesome young man and leader and is a great part of our Future Titans program,” Mitchell said in a club statement.
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“The club and the wider rugby union community will support Joseph and his family during this time.
“We also make sure the rest of the Future Titans playing squad have the support they need.
“Out of respect for Joseph and his family, we offer our continued support and privacy at this time as the road ahead of them.”
