Anthony Milford mulls Melbourne Storm offer
Brisbane five-eighth Anthony Milford is expected to juggle his commitments to Samoa with the contemplation of his future as he spends representative week mulling over whether to remain at the Broncos or accept an enticing offer to move to Melbourne next season.
The Australian yesterday revealed the Storm had made a play for Milford, although there were differing accounts as to how advanced the discussions were between the Broncos star and Melbourne hierarchy.
Milford’s agent suggested the interest from the Storm was in its infancy but
The Australian can reveal the Broncos five-eighth had flown to Melbourne on a private flight for talks with the Storm and coach Craig Bellamy.
Sources suggested Bellamy had outlined his vision for Milford and how he would fit into the Melbourne’s halves set-up next season. Regardless, Milford has a decision to make as he ponders whether he will remain in Brisbane next season, where the Broncos have tabled a three-year deal believed to be worth upwards of $2.7 million.
Broncos officials are convinced the bid from the Storm exceeds that amount, although Melbourne officials remained tight-lipped yesterday over their level of interest in the 23-year-old. The Broncos can ill-afford to lose Milford, given his regular halves partner Ben Hunt has already announced he will join St George Illawarra at the end of the year.
Brisbane compensated for that loss with the signing of Cronulla utility Jack Bird, but it is understood that coup has impacted on their attempts to retain Milford. It is understood Milford has raised concerns with his management over the size of Bird’s deal with Brisbane — some reports have suggested Bird’s four-year contract is worth in excess of $3.5m. The Storm, meanwhile, are on the lookout for a new half following the decision by Cooper Cronk to move to Sydney at the end of the year for personal reasons.
Melbourne would appear to have two options in the event that they are successful in their pursuit of Milford. One would be to pair Milford with Cameron Munster in the halves, a combination that would most likely revolve around Milford playing halfback and Munster five-eighth.
The other option would be to play Milford with young halfback Brodie Croft, although with Billy Slater expected to back up next season, that would mean Munster reverting to the centres.
Prior to Slater’s well-documented shoulder problems, Munster had been earmarked for a role in the centres by the Storm. Munster would then switch to fullback when Slater retires.
Milford and Croft would then become the Storm’s long-term halves combination. While Brisbane remain favourites to retain the playmaker, the Storm’s interest is genuine as they attempt to compensate for the loss of Cronk.
The club has also been linked with Cronulla five-eighth James Maloney, who has a year remaining on his deal at the Sharks but has been sounded out by rivals.
Cronk, meanwhile, is yet to decide his future when he moves to Sydney next year and was reluctant to discuss the prospects of any replacements in Melbourne.
“I’m not privy to those conversations,” Cronk said. “But from the outside any time there’s a good player to be looked at, and he’s an elite player, it’s interesting. So much more comes into play. Quote me if I’m wrong but Anthony left Canberra for family reasons back in Brisbane.
“One thing I do know is the powers that be at Storm in Craig Bellamy and Cameron Smith make smart decisions. So whatever decision they make will be well thought through, well researched and will be the right decision for that football club.”
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spo...r/news-story/b6263bcb7e9e4745a044e07cbe25f9b6
