Some rand who says he is a friend of Oates, told me that the decision on Milford being captain next year has already been made. If true than I am fast losing confidence in our future under Walters.
I think in 2018 (maybe even some of 2017) Milf was becoming something with a bit of responsibility.
It looked like he was basically becoming a halfback and was really getting involved as a first receiving half.
I don't think he has the skill in his kicking game to really control a game like Lockyer, but at times he did know when the team needed him to take control and score points.
The try against the warriors in NZ when he took it at first receiver in front of the posts and hit the line... a try against dragons on the right side of the field stepping a number of players.
He was basically taking ownership of the ball inside the opposition half and playing first receiver. I think he had a huge year one year with forced drop outs (it would’ve been under Demetriou, because he seems to like early kicks for forced drop outs (we were doing it when he had more control of the game plans, and souths were doing it last year).
The issue since has been mass injuries around him, basically forcing him to play 6 & 7 and at times 6, 7 & 1.
2020 was his worst year by far... he was disinterested and just planted himself on the left hand side of the field.
I thought it was also noteworthy that he and Macca were not included in the 7 man leadership group at the start of 2020... not suggesting they are a clique or mates or whatever, just that Milf being the highest paid and one of the more senior players actually left on the roster was over looked by Carrigan (a rookie), Croft (a newcomer with 50 or so games), I think TPJ was also in there??
To me that was the point Seibold was trying to take control of the team, like he’d had enough of the shit from the playing group and was happy to move everyone on except those that would listen... to me that was an indication that it was the beginning of the end for Milf and Macca at the broncos if Seibold stayed on. You may not like Macca, and I want him gone, but how does one of the most professional members of the squad not make a leadership group.
Personally I think Milf probably should’ve been part of the leadership group, so it was telling when he wasn’t. He captained Samoa and played out of his skin, so clearly he does take ownership when put in a position of responsibility, but really I don’t think Seibold ever wanted Milf (huge salary, wasn’t really a halfback, but appears to play his best as a halfback when inside the 20m, instinctive player that may be hard to coach).
I’m willing to give Milf the benefit of the doubt. I don’t think Kevvie has decided on a captain as yet, but I don’t think he would look to make the decision lightly... the team needs leaders and needs unity so the captain more than anything needs to galvanise the group along with Kevvie