Newcastle Knights sign Lachlan Miller assists Kalyn Ponga position change
Newcastle Knights have signed former Cronulla Sharks half-back Lachlan Miller for the 2023 season.
Miller’s new contract will see the 28-year-old shoot red and blue for the next three seasons, having been released from the final year of his contract with Cronulla.
Newcastle director of football Peter Parr has confirmed that Miller will line up at the back.
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The move should add more versatility to the Knights backbone and backline while freeing up captain Kalyn Ponga to move up to five-eights.
“This signing gives us more options in our backline,” Parr said.
“We signed Lachlan primarily to play at the back, we also believe he has the versatility to play in multiple positions.
“He is a gifted athlete, with great speed and a player who will add excellent value to our team.”
Newcastle manager Adam O’Brien earlier announced Ponga’s change of position, citing his recent series of concussions for forcing the accelerated switch.
“When Kalyn was ruled out for the end of the season with his HIA issues, then the decision was made,” he told SEN.
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Miller played in rugby league until the age of 22 before being identified by Rugby Australia for its World Rugby Sevens Series programme.
He went on to play 50 games on the international stage, even representing Australia in Rugby 7s at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
At the end of 2021, Miller signed with the Sharks after an impressive performance with the Newtown Jets in the NSW Cup.
In his first season in the NRL, he scored three tries in seven games at fullback, wing and on the bench, earning him Cronulla’s Steve Rogers Award as Rookie of the Year .
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