Gavin Miller

The Sydney career of Gavin Miller can be viewed in two halves punctuated by a highly successful stint in England with Hull KR. Miller was a boom 18-year-old centre when he came to Wests from Goulburn on the recommendation of his coach (former Magpie forward) Jim Cody in 1977. However, his career faltered when he moved to Easts in 1978. Joining Cronulla, Miller represented NSW in two matches in 1983 but he did not fulfill his potential and it looked like a case of too much too soon for the talented ball-player. After a poor season with Easts in 1984, he joined Hull KR where he developed his considerable talents. In 1985-1986 he was named Player of the Year in the English Club Championship. Returning to Sydney to resume his career with the Sharks, it was a more mature, experienced player that helped the club to the minor premiership in 1988. That year Miller made his only Test appearance, against Papua New Guinea, but was also selected in the international match against the Rest of the World (a man-of-the-match performance), for Oceania against Great Britain and in the World Cup final in NZ. He was named ‘Dally M’ Player of the Year in consecutive years (1988-89) as well as Second Rower of the Year (1988-89) and Players' Player (1988). Miller's good form continued at club level but his representative career faltered when, as captain of NSW, the Blues were whitewashed 3-nil in 1989. However, on a personal level, the year was a success; he was a joint winner of the Rothmans Medal (with Mark Sargent) and 'Dally M' Player of the Year (as well as winning several other major awards), but he was continually overlooked for Test duty. Miller retired at the end of 1992 season, relegated to reserve grade but with his old skills still sparking, and took on a captain-coach position at Goulburn.