And after three consecutive premierships at Western Suburbs from 2012 it would be hard to see why not.

But the man better known as “Barney”, following a season at Cessnock and last year off with work commitments, returns to the Newcastle Rugby League ranks in 2017 via Central.

“I’ve certainly missed it,” Miller said.

“I just had to look after work first, but now I’m in a position where the company is more comfortable with me making this commitment.

“I love coaching and never felt like I retired, I just had to wait for the right time and the right opportunity.

“Now that decision is made it’s an exciting time planning what needs to be done and delivering a system and culture to assist Central achieve what they want to achieve.

“Obviously I enjoyed my time at Wests and really enjoyed coaching at Cessnock, but always thought I was just a one-club coach.

“Things change and now I don’t see myself at one single club, [instead] I’ve got a job to do and now Central is my focus. I’m sure I’ll enjoy that and do what is best for the football club.”

Miller, who was meeting a group of existing Butcher Boys on Wednesday night before attempting to recrut key players, has described Central Newcastle as the sport’s “holy grail” in this region.

The new mentor takes over from retiring captain-coach Rowan Kelly and signed a one-year contract this week at a club chasing its first premiership since 1949. 

“Central has always been something in the back of my mind,” he said.

“If you really want to be honest, it is the holy grail of Newcastle Rugby League. 

“Everyone understands Central is one of the toughest challenges and to crack that nut, there’s something in that.”

Miller, the assistant coach of Michael Hagan during the Knights grand final victory of 2001, now resides at Pokolbin because of employment at Scone but spent 20 years living at Dudley where his two daughters still attend high school nearby. 

He once played a season for Central in the late 1980s and his son was named Butcher Boys junior of the year about a decade ago.

However, rather than any “heartstrings” being pulled at the club Miller said the appeal of Central was off field work done by the likes of Terry Bryden and the assembled support team including assistant and 2015 Wests coach Dean Botham.

“This season the Butcher Boys first grade team lost seven games by just a few points and with this appointment the club is confident of turning those results into wins,” Central released in a statement.

Elsewhere in coaching appointments, only Lakes and Wests are yet to confirm who will be in charge next year with Dean Noonan and Steve Storrie respectively facing elimination when their clubs clash in Saturday’s minor semi-final at Harker Oval. 

Former Knights prop Ben Cross is the sole new addition around the grounds for 2017, taking over from current South Newcastle captain-coach Todd Hurrell. 

Ron Griffiths was recently given the gig at Kurri over Bulldogs club legend Phil Williams, stepping up from his assistant role after last holding the main reins at Maitland in 2012.  

Steve Kidd returns to Cessnock after two years away with Goannas mentor Dan Smailes stepping aside.

Adam Bettridge (Macquarie) and Trevor Ott (Maitland) stay put.