The future of kicking ace Millar looms as one of the major storylines in the background as the Highlanders push through the remaining six weeks of their season.
He appears to be the most prominent player coming off contract at the club.
There have been rumours — and there are always plenty, of course — that the young first five with the unerring boot is coveted by a major club in England.
Miller’s future with the Highlanders became an immediate question when the club moved heaven and earth to sign All Blacks XV and Chiefs first five Josh Jacomb.
They were keen to get Jacomb out of the final year of his deal and down to Dunedin this season, but the Chiefs held firm.
Jacomb, who will play for the Highlanders in 2027 and 2028, will not have signed a contract with the idea of spending much time on the bench.
The Highlanders also have Reesjan Pasitoa on the books next year, they have signed rising Southland first five Mika Muliaina on a three-year deal and clearly see him as the future, and youngster Jimmy Taylor is also in the wings.
Where does that leave Millar?
He is still just 23, he has been in solid form this season, he has developed his all-round game, and he is the type of man — humble, homegrown and utterly committed to the cause — the Highlanders and other clubs rightly treasure.
While Jacomb has the pedigree, a Super Rugby club needs more than one quality first five, and given Pasitoa is arguably more of a second five, and Muliaina is young, it would be a shock if Millar was to go.
Joseph, who has given Millar the reins this year after Taine Robinson was initially the starting No10 in 2025, hopes the player will be around for a while yet.
‘‘Cam’s undecided, but we really want him to stay with us,’’ the coach said.
‘‘I feel Cam will be in demand from all the clubs, because he’s such a good rugby player.
‘‘I’m hopeful we’ll get Cam. I think he’s in that decision-making process, which a lot of the players are around this time of year.
‘‘First fives take a lot of time. They’re in a tough position where they have to control the game, and if their forwards don’t play well, it makes their job harder.
‘‘Cam is a prolific goalkicker. He’s had a string of concussion injuries, which have affected his confidence at times, but he’s back to his best now.
‘‘We’re really, really keen to keep him. The club’s invested a lot of time, energy and money into those younger players, and it’s time to reap the reward from that.’’
Millar was a New Zealand under-20 representative in 2022.
He made his Highlanders debut in 2023 and has played 27 Super Rugby games.
