Milford gets nod to start
ANTHONY Milford has staved off Michael Morgan for the starting five- eighth spot, with coach Kevin Walters backing his debutant to handle a NSW onslaught in Origin I.
Speculation yesterday suggested that Walters would produce a classic eleventh- hour Origin selection switch by elevating Morgan into the starting side to protect Milford ( above) from the ferocious early exchanges.
At 176cm, Milford will be the shortest player on the field in Origin I and there were suggestions utility Morgan would be pitchforked into battle to absorb some early defensive punishment.
But the Bulletin can reveal Milford will partner Cooper Cronk from the opening minutes, with Walters last night backing his rookie pivot to halt NSW’s big boppers led by Andrew Fifita.
“There’s no way I’m benching Anthony. He is starting,” Walters said.
“I don’t play mind games. I wouldn’t have Anthony in the team if I didn’t think he could handle the first 20 minutes.
“Anthony is 90kg, Allan Langer ( Maroons halfback great) was 68kg when he played his first Origin game, so I have no doubts whatsoever that Milf can handle what is thrown at him by NSW,” he said.
“I wouldn’t throw him to the wolves if I didn’t think he can handle this level.”
Milford completed his second training run at Sanctuary Cove yesterday in an opposed session with the Queensland under- 20s side coached by former Broncos skipper Justin Hodges.
Morgan has a better understanding of Queensland’s tactical systems than Milford.
He has played five games for the Maroons, all off the bench, and is now in his third Origin campaign after being blooded in 2015.
Walters weighed up the merits of promoting Morgan at five- eighth, but says the Cowboys ace brings a better balance to the Maroons in a Mr Fixit role off interchange.
“Morgs is a little unfortunate,” Walters said.
“I would have no hesitation in starting him, but for the balance of the team, Morgs is better suited in the role that he has been doing and we’ll give Milf the first crack ( at fiveeighth) for game one.”