Milford shoulders World Cup poser

ANTHONY Milford is refusing to give up hope of playing at this year’s World Cup after the Broncos pivot cleared the first hurdle in his return from a serious left shoulder injury.

Sidelined for the past five weeks, Milford showed no shortage of confidence in his dislocated shoulder as he made a successful comeback in Brisbane’s 34-22 defeat of Newcastle on Saturday night.

Milford eventually requires surgery and Broncos medicos are taking every precaution, strapping him up so tightly against the Knights the fiveeighth could barely raise his arm.

The Queensland Origin star faces a four-to-six month recovery once he has surgery.

Broncos coach Wayne Bennett would be reluctant for Milford to play at the World Cup in October as a delayed operation would leave him in danger of missing the start of next year’s premiership.

Australia coach Mal Meninga has Milford on his selection radar and while he will adhere to Brisbane’s medical advice, the Broncos ace is keen to soldier on in pursuit of a maiden green-and-gold jumper.

“I want to play in the World Cup,” Milford said.