Nineteen-year-old Jordan Miller, who first visited Fiji with the Australian schoolboys in 2022, has returned to the islands as a member of the Vodafone Fiji Bati rugby league team. This experience has been a significant milestone in his rugby career.
Miller, a talented prop originally from Australia with roots in Savusavu due to his father’s heritage, is excited to train alongside senior and NRL players he admired while growing up. Among those he looks up to are Tui Kamikamica from the Storm, Maika Sivo, and Viliame Kikau.
He expressed his gratitude to coach Waisake Kativerata for the chance to debut for the Bati. Miller began his journey with the team coming off the bench. “I’ve always wanted to play for Fiji,” he shared. “At just 19, training with these renowned players still feels surreal.”
Reflecting on his experience, he said, “It’s crazy that I’m training with them. I didn’t expect this opportunity to come so soon, but I appreciate it greatly. It means a lot to me.”
Miller has also learned a lot about team culture during the past week, noting, “Everything’s good – we have devotion twice a day. There’s a lot of energy, making the camp enjoyable and lively.”
Earlier this year, Miller signed a three-year contract with the Tigers and made his NRL debut in Round 15 against the Titans, helping the team secure an 18-10 victory. He was recognized as the player’s player and received the best and fairest award at the Wests Magpies Harold Matthews Cup U17s in September 2022 during their Junior Representative Award night.