Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
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- 30,262
ANTHONY Milford will be selected for Samoa but the Brisbane five-eighth claims “the Broncos pay the bills” and he is no certainty play.
Milford was the centre of a representative storm last year after withdrawing from the Pacific Test against Tonga.
Broncos coach Wayne Bennett took a bullet for Milford, blocking him from playing in the one-off Test.
However, Milford was reluctant to play given he had fears over his chances of representing Queensland and Australia if he committed to Samoa.
International eligibility laws have since changed.
Milford can play for Samoa, a tier-two nation, on May 6 against Bennett’s England side and still qualify for Queensland and Australia this year.
But that doesn’t mean he will wear a Samoa jersey for the first time since the 2013 World Cup next Saturday.
Milford, who has rarely missed matches throughout a 103-game NRL career, said he would assess his fitness after Thursday’s Suncorp Stadium clash against Penrith before committing to the Test.
“I want to put my hand up to play for Samoa but the Broncos are the ones that pay the bills,” Milford said.
“If the body is good, I don’t see why I couldn’t play for Samoa.
“It’s a long season. The last thing I want is to be injured in those games.
“I just need to be healthy and be the best I can to put myself in a position to be available for that week.”
Samoa coach Matt Parish has had numerous conversations with Milford about his availability and said the 22-year-old would be named in his side.
“I intend to pick the best possible team for Samoa,” Parish said.
“My understanding is he is available so he’ll be in it. I know he wants to play.”
Parish has quietly assembled a team capable of challenging England.
Broncos lock Josh McGuire is set to be named in the side if he misses selection for Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos team to play New Zealand next Friday.
McGuire last represented Samoa in 2015 and will still be available to play for Queensland in the State of Origin series.
Samoa will also field Joey Leilua, Junior Paulo, Sam Kasiano and Sione Mata’utia.
SAMOA v ENGLAND
May 6 at Campbelltown Sports Stadium
TV: Live on Fox Sports
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...d/news-story/a3fd9deff72e39d6138ddd6520e847b3
Milford was the centre of a representative storm last year after withdrawing from the Pacific Test against Tonga.
Broncos coach Wayne Bennett took a bullet for Milford, blocking him from playing in the one-off Test.
However, Milford was reluctant to play given he had fears over his chances of representing Queensland and Australia if he committed to Samoa.
International eligibility laws have since changed.
Milford can play for Samoa, a tier-two nation, on May 6 against Bennett’s England side and still qualify for Queensland and Australia this year.
But that doesn’t mean he will wear a Samoa jersey for the first time since the 2013 World Cup next Saturday.
Milford, who has rarely missed matches throughout a 103-game NRL career, said he would assess his fitness after Thursday’s Suncorp Stadium clash against Penrith before committing to the Test.
“I want to put my hand up to play for Samoa but the Broncos are the ones that pay the bills,” Milford said.
“If the body is good, I don’t see why I couldn’t play for Samoa.
“It’s a long season. The last thing I want is to be injured in those games.
“I just need to be healthy and be the best I can to put myself in a position to be available for that week.”
Samoa coach Matt Parish has had numerous conversations with Milford about his availability and said the 22-year-old would be named in his side.
“I intend to pick the best possible team for Samoa,” Parish said.
“My understanding is he is available so he’ll be in it. I know he wants to play.”
Parish has quietly assembled a team capable of challenging England.
Broncos lock Josh McGuire is set to be named in the side if he misses selection for Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos team to play New Zealand next Friday.
McGuire last represented Samoa in 2015 and will still be available to play for Queensland in the State of Origin series.
Samoa will also field Joey Leilua, Junior Paulo, Sam Kasiano and Sione Mata’utia.
SAMOA v ENGLAND
May 6 at Campbelltown Sports Stadium
TV: Live on Fox Sports
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...d/news-story/a3fd9deff72e39d6138ddd6520e847b3
