Australian test prop David Shillington has urged St George Illawarra to honour new recruit Josh Miller’s work ethic with a position in the side’s first 17.
Shillington played alongside Miller for three years at the Raiders before the tough utility moved to the Dragons during the off-season - a result of Canberra’s tightening salary cap.
His former team-mate lauded the 28-year-old’s work ethic and commitment, insisting it be rewarded with a starting or bench position in the Dragons’ top echelon.
‘‘They don’t come much tougher or as hard working as Joshy,’’ Shillington said.
Full coverage of the Dragons‘‘He’s a pretty impressive player, I reckon ... and you definitely need players like that in your team.
‘‘He’s got a great tackling technique and he’ll hit it up all day. There’s rarely a game where he doesn’t split himself open because he’s just so committed all the time.’’
A versatile lock, front rower or bench impact player, Miller is one of a handful of Dragons vying for a forwards role under newly installed coach Steve Price.
The Forbes-born player has quickly come to terms with the positional challenge, but believes the healthy rivalry will benefit the team in the long run.
‘‘You only have to look at the likes of Michael Weyman, Dan Hunt, Beau Scott and Ben Creagh and Dean Young: every one of those players has played representative football,’’ Miller acknowledged.
‘‘There’s going to be a lot of pressure for positions but I think that’s NRL now, pretty much every club has that same dilemma.
‘‘I’ll play anywhere, I’ll play on the wing if they put me there. Just as long as I’m on the squad every week, whatever role Pricey wants me to do, I’ll do my best to fill it.’’
The Raiders’ 2005 and 2009 player of the year donned the lime green 113 times between 2004 and 2011. His gritty style of play won over players and fans alike - the latter even creating a Josh Miller page on their official website.
‘‘I was disappointed [when I heard about him leaving], I know he’s pretty passionate about the Raiders and he’ll struggle a bit when he plays against us,’’ Shillington said.
‘‘But I think he’ll land on his feet there at the Dragons. If you’re going to go to any club, that’s a good one to go to - it’s not far from Canberra and it’s a very professional club that’s done well over the years.
‘‘He has to be in the 17 somewhere, he’s got the versatility of playing anywhere in the pack. He’ll be a very important asset to them.’’
Despite a lack of hunting spots, one of Miller’s favourite pastimes, he has found much to like about the Dragons.
‘‘I’m very thankful of my time at Canberra and at the Raiders but that time is up now and I’m at the Dragons - I want to be putting everything in each time I wear the Red V,’’ he said.
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