Nineteen-year-old Jordan Miller made an unexpected return to Fiji, this time as a member of the Vodafone Fiji Bati team, two years after visiting the island with the Australian schoolboys in 2022. This experience marks a significant milestone in his rugby league career.
Miller, a towering prop raised in Australia with Fijian heritage through his father from Savusavu, expressed his excitement about playing alongside senior and NRL players he has admired since childhood. Notable players he mentioned include Storm’s Tui Kamikamica, Maika Sivo, and Viliame Kikau.
Grateful for the opportunity given by coach Waisake Kativerata, Miller made his debut for the Bati, coming off the bench. “I’ve always wanted to play for Fiji,” he said, adding that training with such renowned players feels surreal. “It’s pretty crazy that I’m training with them. I didn’t think it would come this early, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here. It means a lot.”
Over the past week, Miller has embraced the team’s culture, highlighting their vibrant atmosphere with devotion sessions held twice daily. “There’s a lot of energy, so the camp’s never down, it’s a fun camp to be in,” he noted.
This year, Miller signed a three-year contract with the Tigers and made his NRL debut in Round 15 against the Titans, contributing to the Tigers’ 18-10 victory. In September 2022, he received recognition as the player’s player and best and fairest player at the Wests Magpies Harold Matthews Cup U17s during their Junior Representative Awards night.