Milford tunes out external criticism

BRONCOS pivot Anthony Milford says he couldn’t care less about criticism of his game and has vowed to rediscover his running mojo in Friday night’s derby against the Cowboys.

Brisbane’s $1 million man Milford and scrumbase partner Kodi Nikorima are under pressure to hit back in the Queensland derby following last week’s 34-12 debacle against the Dragons at Kogarah.

While the Broncos’ forwards failed to lay a solid platform, Milford took some poor lastplay options that won’t be tolerated given his status this season as the highest-paid player in Brisbane’s 30-year history.

Milford must counter the playmaking genius of the Cowboys’ Johnathan Thurston at Suncorp Stadium and says it is vital he goes back to doing what he does best – attacking the line.

“I can improve my running game,” he said. “Being more of a talker this year takes that away from me and I need to go back to basics, get an early carry in the game and make sure I stay in the game.

“The best players like (Thurston) bring out the best in everyone. We will work hard … and fix up what we should have done against the Dragons.”

Asked if the criticism gets under his skin, Milford said: “Not at all, it gets pushed aside. I know what I need to work on.

“That comes part and parcel with the position I play. There will be heavy critics coming at me and Kodi whether we lose or win … We have to accept that and move on.”

Broncos legend Darren Lockyer last week challenged Milford to work harder on his game by studying champions like Thurston and Cameron Smith.