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Milford out to finish on a high at Broncos

3 minute read

After a man-of-the-match performance in his first NRL match since May, Anthony Milford is aiming to end his time at Brisbane on a high note.

ANTHONY MILFORD.
ANTHONY MILFORD. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The chance to get away from the NRL spotlight has enabled Anthony Milford to regain his joy for rugby league as he aims to bring plenty of smiles to Brisbane fans before his time at Red Hill ends.

Unseen in first grade since May, Milford made a spectacular return on Sunday in a man-of-the-match display as the Broncos defeated the Warriors 24-22 at Suncorp Stadium.

The half, who is heading to South Sydney at season's end after seven up-and-down seasons at the Broncos, scored what proved to be the matchwinner and set up two more in an all-action performance.

Milford said his return to the first-grade team had come with a simpler game plan from coach Kevin Walters to give him the freedom to shine.

"During the whole week (it) was just let Alby (Albert Kelly) control the middles and then I just do my thing on the outside, pop up whenever I want, wherever I can," Milford said.

"I was just trying to get my involvements up and just put myself in better positions to put someone else through.

"Footy's easy when you're having fun.

"I'm playing my best when I'm enjoying myself and it helps when we're winning and things come off."

Having got himself back in the Brisbane team, Milford is now determined to not only end his time at the club on a positive note but also give retiring captain Alex Glenn a finish he deserves to his career.

"Lexi's our captain and he's a big part of the squad," Milford said.

"He's helped a lot of us grow - especially me when I first come through - he looked after me from when I first walked into the Broncos so we all want to repay that favour to him ... he deserves it.

"Obviously I'm heading to Souths next year and I want to play well, as best I can for the Broncos and leave the Broncs jersey on happy note."

Milford and Kelly look set to play out the season as the Broncos' halves pairing after the club confirmed on Monday Tyson Gamble's season was over after undergoing surgery on a fractured hand.

Kelly, who joined the club on a trial-and-train basis after six years in England, has been rewarded with a new one-year contract after making seven appearances so far this season.

Meanwhile, winger Xavier Coates has been given the all-clear after getting a knock to his elbow while trying to prevent a late try to the Warriors in Sunday's game.

"Xavier has pulled up OK today and he will train this week with a view to playing on Saturday," Broncos head of performance Dave Ballard said.

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