He had been deadly accurate with the boot for Otago in the NPC for the past two seasons, came through the Highlanders under-20 programme, and was signed for the Super Rugby club for next season until he was elevated to the squad for this season.
He has even donned the black jersey already, playing for the New Zealand Under-20s team against Fiji last year.
But today Millar gets his first taste of the real deal, having been named as the opening first five for the Farmlands Cup pre-season game against the Crusaders in Weston, near Oamaru.
The Highlanders have named two teams — one for each half — and Millar has been given the responsibility to direct the team at first five in the first half.
"It’s really exciting playing, especially [against] the Crusaders," Millar said.
"I’m just looking to honestly play my game.
"It’s the first game of the season, so just try and nail all my core roles and show some of the skills that I’ve been working on over pre-season."
All first fives had to "pull the strings" in the backline and, while Millar knew it put added pressure on his shoulders, he was up for the challenge.
Being familiar with the Highlanders set-up last year had been great but he was relishing being immersed in the team full-time.
"Obviously, having the experience last year, just knowing the boys pretty well already, so it’s been a pretty comfortable transition.
"It’s been awesome.
"New coaching set-up is going great, feel real comfortable with them and just looking forward to getting into the games."
Today is the prime opportunity for Highlanders players to test themselves and and there is everything to play for, after last year’s disappointment of playing the game behind closed doors due to Covid restrictions.
"It’s the first pre-season. There’s going to be probably a few mistakes and errors, but just trying to get away with some really good execution on our skill sets and put on a good display for all the supporters."
No All Blacks are available for the game, but there is still a healthy sprinkling of class in both squads.
There will be interest in the efforts of former Highlanders and Otago loose forward Christian Lio-Willie as he makes his Crusaders debut.
Super Rugby pre-season
The teams
First half Highlanders: Finn Hurley, Martin Bogado, Isaac Te Temaki, Scott Gregory, Mosese Dawai, Cam Millar, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Nikora Broughton, James Lentjes (captain) , Max Hicks, Josh Bekhuis, Will Tucker, Saula Mau, Andrew Makalio, Ayden Johnstone.
Crusaders: Chay Fihaki, Pepesana Patafilo, Jack Goodhue, Dallas McLeod, Macca Springer, Fergus Burke, Willi Heinz, Christian Lio-Willie, Corey Kellow, Dominic Gardiner, Quinten Strange, Jamie Hannah, Tamaiti Williams, Brodie McAlister, Joe Moody.
Second half Highlanders: Sam Gilbert, Jonah Lowe, Josh Timu, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jona Nareki, Mitch Hunt (captain), James Arscott, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Sean Withy, Oliver Haig, Josh Dickson, Pari Pari Parkinson, Jermaine Ainsley, Jack Taylor, Rohan Wingham.
Crusaders: Melani Nanai, Taine Robinson, Jone Rova, Alex Harford, Will Gaulter, Taha Kemara, Louie Chapman, Sione Havili Talitui, Tom Christie, Liam Allen, Zach Gallagher, Mitchell Dunshea, Seb Calder, Ioan Moananu, Finlay Brewis.Weston, 5.30pm
