Milford set to run riot

QUEENSLAND will formulate a game plan to unleash Anthony Milford and give the Maroons rookie a licence to thrill in his Origin debut tomorrow night at Suncorp Stadium.

Milford has yet to play a single minute of State of Origin, but that won’t stop Queensland’s tactical brainstrust making the five- eighth livewire a key plank in their attacking blueprint to break down the Blues.

Veteran Maroons halfback Cooper Cronk will take charge of Queensland’s structures, leaving Milford to play the instinctive style that has made him one of the code’s most dangerous playmakers.

Skipper Cameron Smith, the most experienced member of Queensland’s playmaking spine, said Milford would be instructed to come out of his shell and attack at every opportunity.

“I’ll be telling Anthony to play the way he does for the Broncos, don’t change anything,” Smith said.

“He is a natural on the footy field.

“He is very different from Cooper, who is structured and knows what he wants to do before he goes out on the field, whereas with ‘ Milf’, if he sees an opportunity out there, he will take it.

“It’s our responsibility to give him some opportunities to test the Blues out.

“Anthony has showed that over the last two seasons that he can do some special things on the footy field. Once he gets his first tackle and first run he will get into the game – we just want him to play what he sees.”

Smith sensed Milford was nervous around the squad in his first few days in Camp Maroon, but is adamant the 22- year- old won’t be overawed in Origin debut.

“Anthony will relish the occasion,” he said. “He was a little bit quiet the first few days, all of his teammates at the Broncos were asking if he’s OK because he’s usually quite chirpy at Broncos training.

“It’s funny watching the new guys go through the first few days meeting the rest of the team and not saying too much, they tend to hide in the corner in the team room.

“But ‘ Milf’ has had a couple of sessions with the team now at training and the guys came away really impressed with what he showed us.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes on debut.”

Cronk urged Milford not to be afraid to demand the ball if he sees an attacking opportunity.

“If he sees something he has every right to overcall me,” he said.

“There’s no ranking system in our football team. If you’re in a position and you see something do not hesitate. Get your hands on the ball and do it.

“What Milford brings to a football team is that one- onone ability to explode and beat somebody.”