Milford racing the clock

Broncos’ million-dollar man nursing shoulder and leg injuries

RUGBY LEAGUE: Broncos fiveeighth Anthony Milford has been put on ice until the NRL season after suffering a hamstring injury a month out from the opening round.

Milford has been on restricted duties this week as he nurses hamstring and shoulder complaints, and may not play a trial before the NRL season kicks off.

The hamstring problem is not believed to be serious but it is another hurdle for Brisbane’s $1 million man to overcome in the lead-up to round one.

Milford underwent a second shoulder reconstruction in the off-season and his rehabilitation was tracking smoothly until last week.

The 24-year-old playmaker landed heavily on his suspect shoulder in a training drill.

Milford, who was sporting a red no-contact singlet at the time, got up gingerly from the incident and soldiered on.

He has since reported the hamstring problem and engaged in only light training this week.

Regardless of his fitness, Milford was not expected to play in tonight’s trial match against Souths-Logan in Warwick.

He was slated to take part in next Saturday’s trial against Wynnum-Manly, but that now appears unlikely.

“Milf is pretty confident he will be on the park in a couple of weeks,” Broncos assistant coach Kurt Richards said.

“We can only listen to him and the performance staff. He knows his body better than anyone else so we are pretty hopeful he will be okay.

“I’m pretty sure Milf is keen to play 20-odd minutes next week but I’m pretty sure we will hold him off.”

Milford’s last opportunity to play before the Broncos’ NRL season-opener against Melbourne on March 14 will be in Brisbane’s final trial against the Titans at the Gold Coast on March 2.

The hamstring injury is untimely given new coach Anthony Seibold has overhauled Brisbane’s attacking structure, leaving Milford limited time to adjust to the changes.

Seibold has tinkered with the way Milford and halfback Kodi Nikorima will operate, but they may get only a short stint to practise before their season-opener.

The Broncos begin their preseason trials with a game against Intrust Super Cup outfit Souths Logan at Father Ranger Oval, in Warwick tonight.

Kick-off is at 6pm.