The Otago first five was supposed to have a breakthrough NPC campaign in preparation for an even bigger assignment with the Highlanders next year.
That script will need a serious rewrite.
The 21-year-old’s troublesome ankle injury has resurfaced in an unwanted plot twist.
He was assisted from the field during the heartbreaking 33-32 loss to Hawke’s Bay in Napier on Sunday.
It looked bad at the time and assistant coach Ryan Bambry confirmed those fears in an interview with the Otago Daily Times yesterday.
"He’s done," Bambry said.
"It is really frustrating for him. He has just had one of those years that a lot of professional players go through.
"He seems to be going through that this year. He won’t be playing.
"It is the same ankle he did for the Highlanders."
The team doctor was not available, but Millar will require surgery and is expected to be sidelined for four to five months.
Bambry said it was a "huge" loss for the team.
"This was the campaign where we felt we were going to get Cam Millar going and get him into the saddle to drive our game for us. Unfortunately, we won’t get that now.
"We’ll have to crack on and bring other boys up to speed who also deserve to be there."
Bambry said Millar was dealing with the setback as best as he could.
"I caught up with him this morning and he is obviously pretty disappointed. But he’s got character and he knows this is just part and parcel of being a professional player.
"He’ll no doubt show the sort of resilience that he has in the past and be ready to go next year."
Millar was not the only casualty from the game. Winger Jona Nareki and fullback Sam Gilbert picked up hamstring injuries and lock Will Tucker has a tailbone complaint.
Bambry said those injuries were still being assessed, but Gilbert needed assistance to leave the field and was probably the most in doubt for Saturday’s derby against the Southland Stags in Dunedin.
Gilbert filled in at first five during Otago’s opening two games when Millar was unavailable. Taking him out of the mix will further reduce Otago’s options.
There is still ample talent, however. Fullback Finn Hurley played first five at school and Ajay Faleafaga is another solid option. But perhaps Jack Leslie will get the nod.
He has been covering the midfield and fullback and has impressed in the opportunities he has had so far.
Leslie helped guild Southern to the Dunedin premier club title in 2022 from first five and has all the skills to succeed at the next level.
"Obviously the young backs in our environment will get a real big opportunity ... and we’re excited for this young wave of players coming through."
