Southland No 8 Paul Miller is back in the Super 12 rugby fold and ready for duty after off-season surgery on his knee.
The former All Black had a routine operation in November to clean up bone fragments and has been back in full training with the Highlanders since the
beginning of January.
It's the start of an important season for the Waikaka loose forward who has not been able to translate solid NPC form onto a higher stage.
He will have to fend off challenges for the No 8 berth from Otago's Grant Webb and impressive youngster Colin Bourke from Bay of Plenty.
Miller said he was enjoying the Highlanders' environment under coach Greg Cooper.
While the pre-season training had been hard physically, it was also a challenge increasing the ability to think on the run, he said.
"It's more mentally challenging than anything else.
"Either I'm getting old or the trainings are getting more intense. The thing I've noticed is that things are a lot higher intensity than they were two or three years ago."
Miller said he felt settled in the Highlanders squad, having bought a house in Dunedin. The home overlooks St Kilda beach and means he can find some spare time to indulge his surfing hobby.
"It's something a bit different," he said. "It probably started about three years ago when we went over to Durban. The beach was right there and everyone was doing it."
Miller had to have a board made specially for him but finds the sport a relaxation.
"It's something else, you have to take your mind off footie."
- NZPA
