Nineteen-year-old Jordan Miller ventured to Fiji with the Australian schoolboys in 2022, unaware he would return two years later representing the Vodafone Fiji Bati team. This experience marks a significant milestone in his rugby league career.
Miller, a towering prop, was raised in Australia, with his father hailing from Savusavu. He expressed his excitement about training alongside Bati senior players and NRL professionals he grew up admiring, such as Tui Kamikamica from the Storm, Maika Sivo, and Viliame Kikau.
Grateful for the opportunity provided by coach Waisake Kativerata, Miller made his debut for the Bati after starting from the bench. “I’ve always wanted to play for Fiji,” he shared. “At just 19, training with these boys still feels surreal to me, being among all the big names. It’s pretty crazy that I’m training with them. I didn’t expect it would happen this soon, but I’m thankful for this opportunity.”
Miller highlighted the valuable lessons he learned from the team’s culture over the past week, mentioning the team’s devotion sessions and the energetic atmosphere during camp. “Everything’s good – we have devotion twice a day. There’s a lot of energy, so the camp’s never down; it’s a fun camp to be in.”
Earlier this year, Miller signed a three-year contract with the Tigers and made his NRL debut in Round 15 against the Titans, where the Tigers triumphed 18-10. In September 2022, he was recognized as the player’s player and best and fairest player during the Wests Magpies Harold Matthews Cup U17s Junior Representative Award night.