Bennett in no doubt rookie will handle it

BRONCOS coach Wayne Bennett has backed Anthony Milford to handle an Origin baptism after secret high-level talks cleared the path for the Brisbane sensation to join Camp Maroon.

Milford was yesterday named as Queensland’s fiveeighth for Origin I – just days after Bennett vowed he would not release his star pivot unless he was guaranteed a place in the Maroons’ starting 17.

Queensland hierarchy initially discussed naming Milford as their 18th-man playmaking contingency for Johnathan Thurston (shoulder), who is rated at long odds to play.

But with Bennett playing hardball, the Maroons upped the ante.

Coach Walters contacted the Broncos mentor outlining his plan for Milford to be selected in the No.6 jumper, with the injured Thurston relegated to 18th man.

That selection methodology was palatable to Bennett, who yesterday released Milford for the Maroons – ruling Brisbane’s strike weapon out of Saturday night’s clash against the Warriors in Auckland.

Bennett last night lauded Milford’s selection, insisting the 22-year-old would not be overawed by his Origin debut in the Queensland No.6 jumper made famous by the likes of Thurston, Wally Lewis and Darren Lockyer.

“I’ve made the decision to release Anthony, he will be going into camp,” Bennett said.

“I never once had an issue about Anthony playing Origin.

“I would never stop a player playing Origin. It was the process and the impact that process has on a club.

“What would have been the point (of standing down Milford from an NRL game) if Anthony was going to be 18th man – it would have meant nothing.

“No club has paid a greater price for the Queensland Origin team than the Broncos.

“But it’s been resolved, and I’m happy Anthony will get his opportunity.

“He will handle it. He’s such a talented player and he’s a big-game player.”