Anthony Milford is the best Five-Eight in the NRL

[Big Pete]

We saw how well Milford played without Hunt, so it's unfair to level the same criticisms at Morgan.

Morgan thrived at a club that was making the numbers. It was through his improvement that they were able to become champions, he literally had a hand in that.

Better defensive player, knows when to involve himself, has better ball skills than Milf and his running game is on par (if I had to pick, I'd back Milf but not much between the two).

He also has three years on Milf.

I'll have a different answer in the future, but we're in May 2016, the time period where Morgan was the better player.

In 2005, Benji was a better five-eighth than Lockyer. I doubt many thought the same one year later.

 

[Stix]

To call him the best at the present is a bit of a stretch, the most exciting for sure. I do think he will be, at some point.

 

[Big Pete]

While Morgan is certainly a quality player ... Milford is a genuine game breaker, he can make something out of nothing. at IMO, that puts him ahead

And most importantly he wears the right jersey.

 

[Foordy]

And most importantly he wears the right jersey.

I make no secret of the fact that I'm biased ...

in fact, I can't decide between Milford and Oates as to who is my favourite player in the NRL

 

[Big Pete]

I make no secret of the fact that I'm biased ...

in fact, I can't decide between Milford and Oates as to who is my favourite player in the NRL

Let it be known I've never questioned your tastes Foordy.

 

[Danoz Direct]

We saw how well Milford played without Hunt, so it's unfair to level the same criticisms at Morgan.

I think that Milford is much more rounded player than he was at that point and would handle it a lot better, but I agree that criticising Morgan for having amazing halves partner is unfair.

 

[Danoz Direct]

We saw how well Milford played without Hunt, so it's unfair to level the same criticisms at Morgan.

Morgan thrived at a club that was making the numbers. It was through his improvement that they were able to become champions, he literally had a hand in that.

Better defensive player, knows when to involve himself, has better ball skills than Milf and his running game is on par (if I had to pick, I'd back Milf but not much between the two).

He also has three years on Milf.

I'll have a different answer in the future, but we're in May 2016, the time period where Morgan was the better player.

In 2005, Benji was a better five-eighth than Lockyer. I doubt many thought the same one year later.

Also would say that Milf has the better passing and kicking game.

 

[Danoz Direct]

I will say that I think Morgan has gone to another level this year just like Milford.

He has really improved his passing game and has continued to use his running game to great effect.

If the both of them keep going on the same trajectories than it will be a real dual for the Australian and Queensland five-eight spots when they are vacated in the not to distant future.

 

[Big Pete]

Also would say that Milf has the better passing and kicking game.

Agree on the kicking game, Milford has come a long way in that department and proved the difference between both sides. Morgan isn't even the second best kicker at the Cows.

Passing is very even. Milf has a great inside ball, Morgan has a better cut-out and flick pass.

 

[broncsgoat]

Milfs ahead of Morgan in every attacking category this year accept try assist's (8 v 9).

He averages twice as many run meters, has more try's, line breaks, line break assists and field goals.

Morgan is quality but Milf is a straight up beast.

i exaggerated run meters but it's 115-70 or something similar

 

[Danoz Direct]

Agree on the kicking game, Milford has come a long way in that department and proved the difference between both sides. Morgan isn't even the second best kicker at the Cows.

Passing is very even. Milf has a great inside ball, Morgan has a better cut-out and flick pass.

Not sure about Morgan having a better cut-out, but he definitely has the better flick pass at this stage.

 

[Allo]

Milfs ahead of Morgan in every attacking category this year accept try assist's (8 v 9).

He averages twice as many run meters, has more try's, line breaks, line break assists and field goals.

Morgan is quality but Milf is a straight up beast.

i exaggerated run meters but it's 115-70 or something similar

While normally I love stats, to use them to purely say one is better isn't true, especially when using something like run metres. There's a lot of things that stats don't measure, for instance while the player may not 'assist' a play, doesn't mean he hasn't affected the result purely by their presence and causing doubt in defenders

On the topic, Milf is far more talented, especially because he was also doing a lot of stuff in an awful Raiders side before coming here and has only gotten better. Morgan is now refining what he does well and improving what he doesn't, and he has JT there to teach him. It'd be different if he had Hunt as his partner.

It's tough to split them. I can't.

 

[austin71]

I think it comes down to this... Would any of us swap Milford for anyone. I know I wouldn't! ☺

 

[broncos4life]

I think it comes down to this... Would any of us swap Milford for anyone. I know I wouldn't! ☺

This.

I think that is the only question needed to answer this.

If anyone would swap Milford for Morgan then they have rocks in their head.

 

[Rally Towel]

I'd rate Milford over Morgan slightly, based on recent performance. Last year Morgan had the edge, but Milf has taken his game up a notch this season and is arguably the form player of the entire league.

One thing for sure though:

Both have to step up their game to unseat Blake Austin, the reigning Dally M 5/8th.

 

[austin71]

I'd rate Milford over Morgan slightly, based on recent performance. Last year Morgan had the edge, but Milf has taken his game up a notch this season and is arguably the form player of the entire league.

One thing for sure though:

Both have to step up their game to unseat Blake Austin, the reigning Dally M 5/8th.

Not on Austins form this year. He's been average!

 

[Waynesaurus]

The most pleasing thing for me this year has been the improvement in his kicking particularly compared to Hunt.

The one thing tho that MILF does which really grinds me gears is his incredibly slow play the balls, I'm actually surprised Wayne hasn't sorted that out.

 

[rnabokov]

This is a "trick question" for mine. I think Milford is one of those X-factor super stars (still in the making) and may well rise to the top of the tree.

I don't see Morgan having the same speed off the mark or footwork as Milf but as others have posted, he compensates in other ways. I'd have him in my team any day.

What I like about Morgan is not just "Morgan" the player, but the way the Cowboys use him, in combination with JT, as FB, centre and 5/8. Their worked combinations are excellent and their combined execution is a treat to watch.

However, purely on skill levels - and Milf is still a work in progress, I'd take Milford any day