Fijian star Taane Milne has vowed to play in any position for the Rabbitohs if they ask him to fill the void left in the backline after the arrival of Jack Wighton. Wighton, who recently joined the South Sydney team and took part in his first training session, is expected to play as a centre alongside Latrell Mitchell.
With Mitchell’s full-back position secure and the excellent display from Alex Johnston as the left-wing, the competition for the one remaining spot is fierce. Milne and Isaiah Taas will compete to become regular centres. Alternatively, Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson and Tyrone Munro are hoping to make the cut as a winger. However, Milne could offer value as a second-row having represented Fiji in this position during the Pacific Championships and is willing to make the move if the team’s coach decides so.
Milne expressed his willingness to take up the challenge to secure a position in the Rabbitohs‘ backline. In his words, “It is going to be good competition for spots so I’m really excited. I’m just happy to play anywhere. With Fiji, there’s a lot of quality outside backs and I’m just happy to cover the positions that we need.”
Wighton, who recently signed a four-year contract, participated in his first training session alongside Sean Keppie, reuniting with Mitchell and the Rabbitohs squad. Milne spoke highly of Wighton, stating, “He’s a good person, and a good bloke, so he’s really going to fit into our club. He’s a dad as well, and we drive good dads at our club, so he’s really going to fit in.” Adding, “Obviously, he is a great player, so he is going to add attack and defence in our squad at South Sydney, and we are excited that he is joining us.”
Milne is poised to bolster his position in the Bati side as Fiji is set to host the Pacific Bowl next season. With a bright future for rugby in Fiji, evident from the recent young talent emerging, Milne is set to make the most of his opportunity by building on his 67 NRL appearances.