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Big Pete
International Captain
- Mar 12, 2008
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FAMILY ties could deliver Anthony Milford to the Broncos next season, with Queensland's hottest teenage prospect weighing up his future in Canberra due to homesickness.
It is understood Milford will be a Bronco next year, but the move is contingent upon him activating a get-out clause relating to family illness.
Milford has been yearning for a return to family in Brisbane. Just turned 19, he has been homesick for some time, a feeling of isolation that intensified following his father Halo's heart attack 18 months ago.
As a result, a family-illness clause was inserted giving the Logan junior the ability to rescind his Canberra contract and return home if his father's welfare became a vexing issue.
The Raiders are doing everything possible to cater for Milford's needs, but it is increasingly likely the Queensland under-20s skipper will put family first.
Doing so would make him a free agent - and legitimately open the door for the Broncos.
Brisbane are interested in Milford but cannot formally enter negotiations without permission from the Raiders, who have secured Milford until the end of the 2014 season.
The signing of Milford - a fullback, five-eighth or halfback - would be a massive coup for the Broncos. He is a contender for the NRL's rookie-of-the-year gong and would give the Broncos backline the spark it desperately needs.
It is understood Milford would play halfback at Brisbane, with either Ben Hunt or possible Bulldogs recruit Ben Barba to wear the No. 6 jumper.
Milford's manager Sam Ayoub on Saturday night spoke of the youngster's private ordeal, but said no NRL rival had approached him.
"We have had no approaches from anybody and Anthony is focusing on his football at Canberra," Ayoub said.
"The only reality is the fact that over the last 18 months, Anthony has been homesick. At one stage last year, he was keen to pack up and head back home. He has since settled and is playing NRL.
"His dad has had health issues since his heart attack last year and I can understand why people might put two and two together."
I don't know. The way the story's written, Milford's looking extremely unlikely to stay in Canberra.It would be HUGE. I just can't see Canberra letting it happen.
I don't know. The way the story's written, Milford's looking extremely unlikely to stay in Canberra.
By the way, is Milford a Broncos junior, or just another Raider plucked from Logan?
It would be HUGE. I just can't see Canberra letting it happen.