League 1 Player of the Year makes Championship move

Newcastle have signed half-back Jack Miller from Championship rivals Keighley on a deal until the end of the 2023 campaign.

The 28-year-old has spent the past four seasons with Keighley, scoring 47 tries and kicking 256 goals in 68 appearances.

Miller was named League 1 Player of the Year in 2022 as he helped the Cougars go the season unbeaten.

Newcastle coach Chris Thorman said: “I’ve known Jack a long time and over the years have watched his career and game grow and seen him mature as both a person and a player.

“He’s been one of the best half-backs, certainly in League 1, in the last three or four years.

“I think Jake Shorrocks leaving the club, left a hole in terms of ball players and Jack certainly fits that role.

“He’s going to compliment what we already have in Nikau Williams and Alex Donaghy, who have been doing a great job but will also give us a bit of strength in depth.

“I know Jack’s personality will also work really well with the group. He’s a proper half-back, a proper general and will command on and off the pitch.

“He’s really excited to get started, he’s got a bit of a point to prove with how his career ended at Keighley and I’m really excited to see what he can do for us.”

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Jack Miller on decision to leave Keighley

Miller fell out of favour in Rhys Lovegrove’s side, with the club signing former Man of Steel Luke Gale to partner Dane Chisholm in the halves this season.

Miller, who made his Super League debut for Huddersfield in 2013, said he wishes the Cougars all the best as he departs for the north east.

He said: “At this moment in time in my career, I am going into the prime years of my rugby.

“I respect the the club’s decision to go in a different direction but I just have to put myself and my family first.

“I’ve signed a deal to the end of the year with a hope to get some regular rugby.”

“There are no words that can describe what we did as a collective last year, the most wonderful years of my life. If it wasn’t for Keighley I wouldn’t be in the position I am in now.

“I am sad to see it end, but as one chapter closes another one opens.”

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