Anthony Milford says he is happy with his controversial decision to leave the Raiders for the Broncos. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia
HE MIGHT have come unprepared for England’s weather but Brisbane Broncos’ star import Anthony Milford is ready to take his next step towards building a winning combination with Ben Hunt at the World Club Series next weekend.
Milford was probably the only person in London wearing shorts when he walked through customs at Heathrow on Friday but the Broncos are expecting a warm reception when they take on Super League grand-finalists Wigan next Sunday morning AEST.
The St George-Illawarra Dragons, who take on Warrington on Saturday morning, were first of the three Australian teams to arrive during the week, with NRL Premiers South Sydney, who will take on their Super League counterparts St Helens on Monday, due in 48 hours.
Wayne Bennett has been firm in his plans to turn Ben Hunt (pictured) and Anthony Milford into the Broncos’ best halves combination since Alfie Langer and Kevin Walters. Picture: Renee McKay/Getty Images Source: Getty Images
With the three English clubs’ home grounds all sold out, the Aussie teams will be under enormous pressure to perform, which suits Milford perfectly.
“I see it as another stepping stone towards our round one match against the Rabbitohs,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to put our best foot forward and try to work on that combination.”
Although Milford made a name for himself at the Canberra Raiders playing mainly at fullback, Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has been firm in his plans to turn Hunt and Milford into the club’s best halves combination since Alfie Langer and Kevin Walters — both of whom are in England with the team.
“I think this game is very important for both of them,” Langer said. “Ben Hunt as we all know had a fantastic season last year but this is where it all starts in forming a combination with Anthony.
Wayne Bennett has been concentrating on Anthony Milford’s mental approach in the lead-up to the season. Picture: Richard Gosling Source: News Corp Australia
Anthony Milford during a fan day in Auckland. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia
“They played a bit of a trial match together against the Cowboys last week but this game will be more important. There will be a big build up and a huge atmosphere, so that’s where the halves have to stand up.
“It’s our last trial game before we’ve got Souths first up so this has got to be where our season starts. We need our forwards to show some muscle up front and the halves have to work off that.”
Milford said Bennett had been concentrating on his mental approach in the lead-up to the season.
“One thing Wayne has worked on with me is to handle myself on and off the field, being able to switch myself on and off when I have to.
“I want to be patient and try my best to adapt to what Ben does. We don’t want to go away from what Ben does best and that’s his running game and organising the boys, so I’ll do my best to back up what he does.”
When Milford committed to leave the Raiders and join the Broncos, there was no hint that Bennett would be back at the club. Milford says it has been an added benefit to what was a difficult and controversial move.
“He’s been good,” he said. “He’s another teacher off the field as well. We’ve all seen what he does with the players he has, bringing out the best in them individually and as a team, so I was fortunate that he was able to come to the club at the same time as me.
“I’m happy with my decision and I’m not going to look back.”
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