NEWS Milford primed for 6 of the best next to Croft

[Gaz]

I think people are too hard on Milf much of the time, and discount his improvement over the past few years, namely his kicking game. Since Ben Hunt left he really hasn't much support managing the team, and creating opportunities for fellow players. I was watching his 2015/6 highlight reel and at his peak I think he's better than any 5/8 currently playing the game. I think his game management is underrated too, he just hasn't had the brains around him to help implement it. Plus the guy can pot a field goal from anywhere.
Comparisons with Lockyer are unfair, and it seems many have forgotten that in the couple years prior to our 2016 premiership Lockyer was under intense scrutiny to the point he wasn't going to picked for Origin. In fact his 5/8 play was considered to be a failure at first. Also it's important to mention he had a forward pack that contained Thorn, Webcke, Civoniceva, Carrol, Berrigan, Thaiday, Parker, and Carlaw, and a backline that had Hunt, Tate, Hodges and Boyd - essentially a team of internationals with massive origin and Test experience. Most of whom were at the peak of their powers, or nearing it.
Milfs kicking in general play has improved by leaps and bounds, and his skill level has never been in any doubt. He's just been in a team that hasn't been getting over the advantage line as much as we need for his game to shine. It looked like this past year he was carrying the weight of the team on his shoulders and you could see his game suffer for it. With another year under this young teams belt, a new halfback (who I personally think is a great addition), and what appears a commitment from him to get fit and show his mettle and haters wrong, I'm predicting a great year (baring injury) for him. At his best he is Australian rep worthy, and if you asked me to pick between him and any other 5/8 in the comp, I'd choose Mile without doubt.

Saw him at the Broncs yesterday morning and he looks fit and trim.
Just as an aside so did Seibs for that matter.

 

[Wolfie]

Make or break for Seibold is how he deals with blokes like Milford. If he doesn't perform and he keeps getting picked, what does that say about the coach?

Milf has to perform or he is going to become a 350-400k player. He has to lift his game.

 

[broncsgoat]

Milf has to perform or he is going to become a 350-400k player. He has to lift his game.

how would he survive?

 

[winslow_wong]

Make or break for Seibold is how he deals with blokes like Milford. If he doesn't perform and he keeps getting picked, what does that say about the coach?

Milf has to perform or he is going to become a 350-400k player. He has to lift his game.

I’m more concerned with a more urgent matter with Milford. That is, what and how much will he indulge on Christmas Day?

 

[I bleed Maroon]

I’m more concerned with a more urgent matter with Milford. That is, what and how much will he indulge on Christmas Day?

He's allowed to splurge, so long as he works extra hard at training in the week following to burn it all off.

 

[broncsgoat]

It’d have to be one hell of a blow out to do any damage

 

[Sirlee oldman]

I think people are too hard on Milf much of the time, and discount his improvement over the past few years, namely his kicking game. Since Ben Hunt left he really hasn't much support managing the team, and creating opportunities for fellow players. I was watching his 2015/6 highlight reel and at his peak I think he's better than any 5/8 currently playing the game. I think his game management is underrated too, he just hasn't had the brains around him to help implement it. Plus the guy can pot a field goal from anywhere.
Comparisons with Lockyer are unfair, and it seems many have forgotten that in the couple years prior to our 2016 premiership Lockyer was under intense scrutiny to the point he wasn't going to picked for Origin. In fact his 5/8 play was considered to be a failure at first. Also it's important to mention he had a forward pack that contained Thorn, Webcke, Civoniceva, Carrol, Berrigan, Thaiday, Parker, and Carlaw, and a backline that had Hunt, Tate, Hodges and Boyd - essentially a team of internationals with massive origin and Test experience. Most of whom were at the peak of their powers, or nearing it.
Milfs kicking in general play has improved by leaps and bounds, and his skill level has never been in any doubt. He's just been in a team that hasn't been getting over the advantage line as much as we need for his game to shine. It looked like this past year he was carrying the weight of the team on his shoulders and you could see his game suffer for it. With another year under this young teams belt, a new halfback (who I personally think is a great addition), and what appears a commitment from him to get fit and show his mettle and haters wrong, I'm predicting a great year (baring injury) for him. At his best he is Australian rep worthy, and if you asked me to pick between him and any other 5/8 in the comp, I'd choose Mile without doubt.

A proper preseason for the first time in a while will help as well. I’m backing him to have a good year.

 

[TariqT]

Comparisons with Lockyer are unfair, and it seems many have forgotten that in the couple years prior to our 2016 premiership Lockyer was under intense scrutiny

I should have said "2006" not "2016" premiership earlier.

He's certainly been guilty of not injecting himself enough at times. There's picking your moments and then there is avoiding taking control when you should. His spot has never been in jeopardy before, next year he will have to play very well and I agree that he will. Exciting times ahead for the Broncos.

True. Looks kinda exhausted hey? I reckon maybe it's to do with him missing a few off seasons cause of his shoulders, but also last season the team continually having poor defense, and having to do too much tackling. Can't get away from that I guess. I like the look of the new team. Lets hope they step up. They're capable.

 

[winslow_wong]

It’d have to be one hell of a blow out to do any damage

Taro and turkey could be a bad combo.

 

[broncsgoat]

Taro and turkey could be a bad combo.

hes got a decent base line this year anywhere

 

[WASSHHH]

A proper preseason for the first time in a while will help as well. I’m backing him to have a good year.

Opposed to being a bit of a Goodyear like seasons past.

 

[Scorchie]

Milly will perform. Go watch 2015 highlights and get excited

 

[theshed]

Make or break for Seibold is how he deals with blokes like Milford. If he doesn't perform and he keeps getting picked, what does that say about the coach?

Milf has to perform or he is going to become a 350-400k player. He has to lift his game.

Depends what you count as not performing. Did he perform last year in your opinion. I think he did all things considered but even if you don’t count that as performing, there isn’t anyone outplaying Milford to force him being dropped. I subscribe to the Wayne Bennett philosophy of not taking a sideward step. That is, you don’t drop a player for an equal player or a worse player. That is just change for the sake of change. If someone is banging the door down and outplaying Milford then that is when you drop the guy.

 

[Wolfie]

Depends what you count as not performing. Did he perform last year in your opinion. I think he did all things considered but even if you don’t count that as performing, there isn’t anyone outplaying Milford to force him being dropped. I subscribe to the Wayne Bennett philosophy of not taking a sideward step. That is, you don’t drop a player for an equal player or a worse player. That is just change for the sake of change. If someone is banging the door down and outplaying Milford then that is when you drop the guy.

I count not performing as not performing. He kind of stayed in the side by default at times due to our lack of options. I don't agree at all you shouldn't drop a player for one who is equal or worse. If any player is capable of a lot more than they are showing, dropping them is smart coaching to me as it sends out a message to the player that they need to lift their game. I

 

[theshed]

I count not performing as not performing. He kind of stayed in the side by default at times due to our lack of options. I don't agree at all you shouldn't drop a player for one who is equal or worse. If any player is capable of a lot more than they are showing, dropping them is smart coaching to me as it sends out a message to the player that they need to lift their game. I

I think that only works if there is an obvious effort issue. Which I don’t think is the case with Milf but maybe you disagree. Dropping a player who’s trying but just isn’t in their best form for another player that weakens the team is cutting off your nose to spite your face.

 

[Wolfie]

I think that only works if there is an obvious effort issue. Which I don’t think is the case with Milf but maybe you disagree. Dropping a player who’s trying but just isn’t in their best form for another player that weakens the team is cutting off your nose to spite your face.

I dont think it is. Sometimes, a break can allow them to mentally reset as well as give them a kick up the backside, and it lets them know reputation wont keep your spot in the team. I'd say unintentionally some players can get a bit too comfortable in their positions if they think there is no consequence for under performing.

I dont think Milf isnt trying, but i think he is too comfortable with where he is right now.

 

[Gaz]

but i think he is too comfortable with where he is right now.

* where he was* hopefully.

 

[rnabokov]

I count not performing as not performing. He kind of stayed in the side by default at times due to our lack of options. I don't agree at all you shouldn't drop a player for one who is equal or worse. If any player is capable of a lot more than they are showing, dropping them is smart coaching to me as it sends out a message to the player that they need to lift their game. I

I think one starts with the premise that Milford is a supremely talented footballer who has been our best player more or less since 2015. He just has to be in the side.

Second, it's not so much as you say that "He kind of stayed in the side by default at times due to our lack of options", rather, precisely because of our lack of options in key positions, Milford was forced to do them all and at the same time, which was rather stupid and accounted for any shortcomings in his 2019 performance.

Given a quality half and a decent hooker I believe he will as others say, excel in 2020.