NRL: Knights target Lachie Miller in latest recruitment move

November 16, 2022 12:36 pm.by Jack Hudson

Former rugby sevens star Lachie Miller — Lachie Miller, who switched from rugby sevens last year, is reportedly in Newcastle’s sights after a season in the NRL with Cronulla.

The Newcastle Knights are continuing their recruitment drive for the 2023 NRL season and beyond by placing current Cronulla Shark Lachie Miller in their crosshairs. The news comes off the back of the Knights reportedly securing the services of Jackson Hastings from the Tigers in a trade deal to fix their problems at halfback.

Miller made his debut for the Sharks this season in round 11 against the Gold Coast Titans. He scored a try in the Sharks win while breaking the record for most metres run on debut, which was previously held by former Bronco and Warrior winger Denan Kemp.

Miller famously made the transition from rugby sevens to rugby league prior to the start of the 2022 NRL season. He went on to score three tries for the Sharks, averaging close to 148 running metres per game.

Miller will likely find himself a regular for the Newtown Jets — the Sharks’ feeder club — in the NSW Cup should he stay in the Shire. At the moment, he sits behind Will Kennedy, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Siosifa Talakai, Jesse Ramien and Sione Katoa in the pecking order of outside backs for first grade.

Should the Knights sign Miller, it will all but certainly solidify the club’s spine for the 2023 NRL season and beyond. It is expected that the 28-year-old would line up at fullback, allowing superstar Kalyn Ponga to start in the halves alongside Hastings at halfback with captain Jayden Brailey at hooker.

Miller also brings great versatility to the Knights given he has shown at the Sharks he can play on the wing, in the centres and even at five-eighth, where he featured during the season for the Jets. This could prove to be hugely beneficial for the Knights with Bradman Best, Dane Gagai, Kurt Mann and Ponga all having various injury concerns in recent years.

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