CLUBS IN MILFORD RACE
SHIFT TO THE EELS MAY BE PARRA-LYSED
ANTHONY Milford’s proposed late-season switch to Parramatta is under threat as three more clubs chase his signature for next season.
Parramatta have contacted Milford’s camp but the proposed switch has already hit choppy waters.
Milford is keen to play on in the NRL, despite being told he is unwanted at the Broncos next season, and there are fears a short-term deal with the Eels could do more harm than good for his chances of gaining a longer deal at another club from next season.
If he went to the Eels and had limited first grade exposure behind halves Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown, Milford could tarnish his attractiveness to other clubs.
The Eels are yet to make a financial offer for Milford’s services but are likely to make one before the August 1 deadline when clubs must finalise their top 30.
Milford is coming out of a long-term million-dollar-aseason deal with the Broncos which ends in September and he is poised to be paid roughly the same amount whether he goes to Parramatta or stays in Brisbane.
Milford last played in Brisbane’s Round 12 loss to the Storm before succumbing to a knee injury which ruled him out for a month.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters lamented the club failed to get the best out of Milford, who peaked in the 2015 season when he led the Broncos to a heartbreaking grand final loss to the Cowboys.
“I’m disappointed we
couldn’t get Anthony playing to a level where we know he is capable,” Walters said.
“He played some decent footy for us at different stages this year but I just feel for Anthony’s interest, more so than the Broncos, that he needs to find a club outside of Brisbane.
“My suggestion to him was to find a strong Sydney club. He’s got more to offer in the game and in the NRL but I feel his future is best served at another club.
“While Anthony was disappointed to hear the news, he was certainly in agreeance of it. It’s been a tough few years for Anthony.
“I certainly feel he’s got a career still in the NRL and to start with a clean slate at another club.”
Broncos new football boss Ben Ikin said this month the club felt it was time for Milford to find a new home from next year.
“We have invested heavily in Adam Reynolds (Souths halfback) and we had to look at what we can afford to put around him and who is going to play where,’’ Ikin said.
If the Parramatta deal is successful, Milford could be playing in the blue and gold in a matter of weeks to see out the rest of the season.