If you had asked Jordan Miller 12 months ago whether he would be preparing to represent Fiji at the 2026 World Cup, the young forward probably would not have believed you.
A former Australian Schoolboy, Miller was once considered one of the Wests Tigers’ most promising young prospects with the potential to become a regular in the club’s forward pack.
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However, his career took an unexpected turn at the end of the 2024 season, a couple of months after he made his NRL debut, when the Tigers terminated his two-year contract worth around $600,000.
The joint venture’s decision came after the front-rower received two breach notices for arriving late to training.
Miller has previously maintained there were extenuating circumstances surrounding the second breach, revealing in an interview he had been required to assist police with a domestic violence matter unrelated to him.
Jordan Miller of the Wests Tigers. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Suddenly without a club, he kept wondering what came next, admitting he had lost his way during a difficult period away from the game.
“When I left the Tigers I didn’t really know what I was going to do at the end of that year, 2024,” Miller told foxsports.com.au.
“I probably let myself go a bit after I left the Tigers.
“I really didn’t think (about hanging up the boots). It was more that I didn’t know what my next move was. I sort of lost myself a bit and gained a bit of weight.”
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As his rugby league future looked uncertain, the Parramatta Eels offered Miller a lifeline, giving him an opportunity to rebuild his career and prove he still had plenty to offer.
The move has since paid dividends, with the 21-year-old rediscovering his confidence on the field and earning selection to represent Fiji Bati at this year’s World Cup.
“Ever since I started up at Parra again, I’m just finding myself a bit more on the footy field,” he said
“I’m so grateful for them. They gave me a second chance and it’s been refreshing over there. It’s been good.
“My manager reached out to them and they were pretty keen to get me on board.”
(L-R) Jordan Miller and Heath Mason after their NRL debut for Wests Tigers v Gold Coast Titans, Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Leichhardt Oval. Picture: Wests TigersSource: News Corp Australia
The World Cup selection not only lets Miller represent his father’s heritage on the international stage but also rewards his persistence after a difficult period in his career.
Since joining the Eels, he has made just two NSW Cup appearances, spending the majority of his time in the Under-21s Jersey Flegg Cup side.
But his opportunity with Fiji gives him the perfect chance to keep knocking on the door of NRL selection for Parramatta.
“It’s exciting and I’m grateful to represent my country at the World Cup and I’m so excited,” Miller continued.
“Twelve months ago, if you asked me, I wouldn’t have thought I’d be back here this soon, so it’s been good.”