NEWS Kevvie on Milford's contract renewal: right now you'd have to say "no"

Kevin Walters is asked whether Anthony Milford has earned a new contract:

“That’s a work in progress, right now you’d have to say no."

“We need to see ‘Milf’ playing better but I’m extremely confident we can get the best out of Anthony Milford. We’re four weeks into a 25-round competition plus finals. We’re in no hurry and Anthony’s in no hurry. As long as we keep building and getting better, that’s all I’m concerned with. It’s about taking small steps. Everything we’re doing is based around that. It’s all small-picture and trying to get better each week."

"Milf has played some good football this year at stages. We are backing him all the way. He is under a lot of pressure, as is everyone in a Broncos jersey at the moment. It’s about taking little steps at a time to improve and I feel Anthony is certainly having a crack. That’s what I like about him. If and when I believe that stops happening then things will change.”

“I don’t feel there’s any uncertainty around our halves. We’ve got two good halfbacks vying for a position. There is great competition there between them and that’s what’s good about the club. Both players have got areas in their games they are working on and moving forward to get better at."

“The plan is to get those two playing well and improve on what they’ve been building on. I’ve seen some great signs there and some areas we need to be better. The players are aware of that. We’ve had good conversations this week around the three of them (Milford included) and the role they need to play in the side. The competition is about trying to get better each week. I expect those guys to be better.”

“We’re really keen to hang on to Kotoni Staggs, we believe he has a bright future at the Broncos regardless of what position he plays for us. I’m sure he can play back-row, halves and centre. He can play several positions. Right now our major focus is to retain the services of Kotoni and then we will place him somewhere in those positions over the next 12 months.”

“We’re always in the market. You guys (media) should know that. Every club is on the lookout if players become available. We will be looking, but right now we’re trying to re-sign four or five of our junior players. That’s where our major focus has been, trying to secure those guys. There’s a big, bad world out there in the player market and my job is to coach the side. We’ve got other people in our organisation to look after those areas.”

McHunt

 

[theshed]

When do you want to see him gone?

Well, I think he’s the best half in our team currently - as grim as that is, so while he’s here he may as well be picked. But happy for him to leave early if it frees up some cap for front loading. I’d consider a Hunt / Dearden pairing or Croft / Dearden.

If he stays I’d be happy for Dearden to play half a year in Q cup developing while Milford and Croft stink it up in first grade.

I think SJ or Reynolds need to be signed and Kev needs to decide whether Dearden or Staggs is the future in the halves. The spine needs experience.

The only way Staggs and Dearden could work is with a game managing hooker like Hodgson or a leader at fullback like RTS or Gutho

 

[rnabokov]

Well, I think he’s the best half in our team currently - as grim as that is, so while he’s here he may as well be picked. But happy for him to leave early if it frees up some cap for front loading. I’d consider a Hunt / Dearden pairing or Croft / Dearden.

If he stays I’d be happy for Dearden to play half a year in Q cup developing while Milford and Croft stink it up in first grade.

I think SJ or Reynolds need to be signed and Kev needs to decide whether Dearden or Staggs is the future in the halves. The spine needs experience.

The only way Staggs and Dearden could work is with a game managing hooker like Hodgson or a leader at fullback like RTS or Gutho

To me, that says it all.

I will therefore re-frame: the only way Milford and Dearden/Croft "could work is with a game managing hooker like Hodgson or a leader at fullback like RTS or Gutho"

This is not just about Milford, although the under-performance of our marquee 5/8 is critical, and needs to be addressed. The question for me is, how is it best dealt with without going backwards even further this season which will ruin player confidence even more. My answer therefore is to keep him at least until season's end.

When I look at the best sides, I look for what exactly makes them that, and how we are different, and I see settled sides over a number of years with largely settled spines, with class acts in at least 2 spine positions, well worked combinations and set plays plus genuine leadership plus a competent defence that handles the "new game". We are just so so far behind the 8 ball.

This is not to excuse Milford's performances. It is my attempt to put them in context which for mine, is the only proper way to diagnose our issues as a team.

So, if Milford goes, we will have $$$, but it will then mean buying top shelf 5/8, hooker and FB, assuming with Dearden or Croft cut it at half which is by no means certain yet. WIll that happen soon?

To me, that then points to what the real issue with this side is, the history which caused it, and just how damn long it is going to take to fix the mistakes of the past.

Our spine sucks, and also, without genuine leadership, it has sucked for years, and mirrors our decline from the last time our spine worked as it should, and we had a true leadership, in our case, Hodges, and Parker.

 

[theshed]

To me, that says it all.

I will therefore re-frame: the only way Milford and Dearden/Croft "could work is with a game managing hooker like Hodgson or a leader at fullback like RTS or Gutho"

This is not just about Milford, although the under-performance of our marquee 5/8 is critical, and needs to be addressed. The question for me is, how is it best dealt with without going backwards even further this season which will ruin player confidence even more. My answer therefore is to keep him at least until season's end.

When I look at the best sides, I look for what exactly makes them that, and how we are different, and I see settled sides over a number of years with largely settled spines, with class acts in at least 2 spine positions, well worked combinations and set plays plus genuine leadership plus a competent defence that handles the "new game". We are just so so far behind the 8 ball.

This is not to excuse Milford's performances. It is my attempt to put them in context which for mine, is the only proper way to diagnose our issues as a team.

So, if Milford goes, we will have $$$, but it will then mean buying top shelf 5/8, hooker and FB, assuming with Dearden or Croft cut it at half which is by no means certain yet. WIll that happen soon?

To me, that then points to what the real issue with this side is, the history which caused it, and just how damn long it is going to take to fix the mistakes of the past.

Our spine sucks, and also, without genuine leadership, it has sucked for years, and mirrors our decline from the last time our spine worked as it should, and we had a true leadership, in our case, Hodges, and Parker.

I don’t disagree with your point but I think it could essentially be fixed with 2 signings. An experienced half and a specialist fullback.

Personally I would go with the following as an example but I’m sure there are a few equivalents that may become available.

1. Hynes
6. Dearden / Staggs
7. Reynolds / SJ
9. Turpin

Turpin needs a decent bench replacement or we need to change Turpin for a decent experienced option - there’s 2 or 3 possible options in the super league that might be happy to take small contract for the opportunity. Manu could be a long term fullback option or an outside the box idea would be sign Brett Morris for a year or 2 and ask him to play fullback until we find a decent replacement.

 

[Dash]

I don’t disagree with your point but I think it could essentially be fixed with 2 signings. An experienced half and a specialist fullback.

Personally I would go with the following as an example but I’m sure there are a few equivalents that may become available.

1. Hynes
6. Dearden / Staggs
7. Reynolds / SJ
9. Turpin

I reckon that spine comfortably gets us into the top 8, which at this point in time would be an absolute dream.

 

[Mr Fourex]

Yep, he’s been squeaky clean his whole career. I think he’s probably a decent bloke and means well but it’s my theory that his natural physical talent has landed him in a career that his natural work ethic never agreed too.

I'm not even sure his work ethic is actually the problem. Sure all the online experts think he's a lazy ****...but....I dunno.

I think you're closer to the mark that in his earlier years....his natural ability got him to the heights he was being seen at, but even when he made the switch to Brisbane......what was working for him easily at the Raiders....wasn't coming so easy anymore. He has struggled to find the way around that ever since.....

He just can't find the same time and space that he had so easily when he first come onto the scene......

 

[broncoscope]

I don't dislike Milford but plain and simply he needs to go because he is not what we need moving forward.
We need his money to revamp our spine which at best can be described as average but realistically is bloody terrible.
Not one of our spine players could be rated in the top 5 of their positions and most if not all would be bottom 5.
I think we need a new experienced half in the Reynolds mold or similar to give us hope that this team can have some semblance of a structured team instead of a disorganised rabble.
A new fullback is a must as Isaako just doesn't cut it in footy smarts or skill set and i don't think i want him as a winger either.
I really liked Turpin when he first came on the scene but although he is pretty good defensively , he just doesn't cut it offensively and we won't improve with him there.
Last and most importantly, our whole recruitment team must go and be replaced by people who have half a clue. Their decisions over the last 5 or so years have been terrible.
Surely we must be freeing up some money for next year and hopefully Oates will get sick of not being picked in top grade and ask for a release which will free up a bit more cash.

 

[Mr Fourex]

Well, I think he’s the best half in our team currently - as grim as that is, so while he’s here he may as well be picked. But happy for him to leave early if it frees up some cap for front loading. I’d consider a Hunt / Dearden pairing or Croft / Dearden.

If he stays I’d be happy for Dearden to play half a year in Q cup developing while Milford and Croft stink it up in first grade.

I think SJ or Reynolds need to be signed and Kev needs to decide whether Dearden or Staggs is the future in the halves. The spine needs experience.

The only way Staggs and Dearden could work is with a game managing hooker like Hodgson or a leader at fullback like RTS or Gutho

SJ....is a bit of a like for like replacement for Milf....yeah? Both are enigmas.......and can win you a game when they are on.......but also easily go MIA when they are off.

 

[Jedhead]

Why not give Reynolds $750k for two years and make the third year the clubs option. If he thinks he’s good enough to last the three years then put his money where his mouth his. Take the pay rise and the added security and play for the third year. If he turns out to be dud we only have him for two seasons. At $250k a year less than Milf I reckon we’ll be fine. Let Staggs play 5/8 this year and if he’s not brilliant by years end we stick him back at FB and have Tommy as our running 6.

 

[Sproj]

With a full preseason and on a heavily, heavily reduced one year contract, would you give Milf one last chance at the club but as a fullback? I'm talking a 300k contract max.

 

[theshed]

SJ....is a bit of a like for like replacement for Milf....yeah? Both are enigmas.......and can win you a game when they are on.......but also easily go MIA when they are off.

To an extent but SJ is far far more consistent, and smarter. I can’t remember the exact stats but it was something like 24 try assists in 20 games last season. It’s his injuries that are the bigger concern. I’d prefer Reynolds from a game management stand point but he’d make a great 6 next to Dearden.

 

[broncsgoat]

With a full preseason and on a heavily, heavily reduced one year contract, would you give Milf one last chance at the club but as a fullback? I'm talking a 300k contract max.

He's not a fullback.

 

[Financeguy]

With a full preseason and on a heavily, heavily reduced one year contract, would you give Milf one last chance at the club but as a fullback? I'm talking a 300k contract max.

Unfortunately no, i think the fullback position has passed Milford by, he is just not physical enough. Fullbacks take a beating on kick returns and hammered on catching an attacking kick, the current Brisbane Broncos version of Milf can't shake these things off, he looks at the ref for a penalty for being tackled too hard and lets the defence set to smash our next bloke.

I think the best thing for both Milf and the Broncos is a change of scenery, he is young enough to still get back to a good player but needs to be somewhere else with much lower expectations.

 

[Old Mate]

I’m praying for a dragons move.

Griffin getting the gang back together.

 

[Broncapz]

With a full preseason and on a heavily, heavily reduced one year contract, would you give Milf one last chance at the club but as a fullback? I'm talking a 300k contract max.

I think it would be a gamble that is almost certain to fail. Milfords last chance is here, and it is now.

That said, I think Milford would perform on par with a 300k fullback...and we need so much more than that.

 

[mstreet]

Milford has never shown to have had alcohol or drug problems.....

Your right. Those other guys had excuses....

 

[tommy]

Your right. Those other guys had excuses....

 

[Mr Fourex]

Your right. Those other guys had excuses....

Which really makes Milford the shunt......because he stayed straight and sober.

The biggest mistake he made was agreeing with his manager for a MMMmmmmilllion dollar contract.

 

[Sproj]

If Milf wanted to stay for 200-300k, I'd keep him. He plays at about that level and he'd be handy depth at worst.