Kalyn Ponga’s transfer to five-eighth is all however locked in amid stories the Knights are set to signal Sharks fullback Lachlan Miller.
News Corp journalist Phil Rothfield revealed on Sky Sports Radio’s Big Sports Breakfast that Miller
“They are about to solve the biggest problem at the club, which is finding an NRL fullback,” Rothfield stated.
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“There’s been talk in the off-season with Kalyn Ponga moving to five-eighth that Dane Gagai, Tyson Gamble or even Bailey Hodgson would have to wear the No.1 jersey in Round 1.
“I can tell you that Lachlan Miller, the former Australian Sevens star, will be the fullback for the Knights in the opening round of the season.”
Miller’s deal will likely be finalised over the following fortnight, permitting the 28-year-old Rugby Sevens convert to hitch his new membership for the 2023 season, in line with aNews Corp report.
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The Sharks have been initially towards releasing Miller, who’s contracted till the top of 2023, however are actually keen to let him go given they will’t match the cash — or alternative — the Knights are providing.
Rothfield referred to as Miller’s early launch a “brave call” by the Sharks as a result of he “can play” and is “an explosive ballrunner.” But Rothfield believes it’s the “right thing” given Miller now has the chance to arrange his future.
The Sharks are nonetheless stated to be exploring a possible participant swap, in line with News Corp.
Miller grew up taking part in rugby league however solid a profitable profession as a Rugby Sevens participant earlier than reverting to league final yr.
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He joined the Sharks on a two-year NRL cope with coach Craig Fitzgibbon the one individual keen to take an opportunity on him.
Miller starred at each fullback and five-eighth for Cronulla’s New South Wales Cup feeder aspect, Newtown Jets earlier than incomes an NRL debut at fullback in Round 11.
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He went on to play six extra video games — two on the wing and one off the bench — together with the Sharks’ semi-final loss to the Rabbitohs.
It’s unlikely the Tokyo Olympian would get a lot sport time in 2023 although given Will Kennedy has nailed down the No.1 jersey and younger gun Kade Dykes is taken into account the membership’s future fullback.
Miller’s signature will enable Knights coach Adam O’Brien to observe by along with his plan to maneuver Ponga to the halves.
O’Brien revealed final week that Ponga was thriving in his new place.
“If we were ever going to move Kalyn to six, now is the time,” he stated.
“Essentially, we’ve had five months. He had a very brief break in October and then started training before everyone else. We changed his training program and he’s obviously put some size on in the gym.
“He’s been training at six all summer and he has been doing a really good job at it.”