Anthony Milford vows to “back myself” to break the longest title drought in Broncos history
March 30, 2018
ANTHONY Milford says he won’t be pressured into changing his instinctive style, and has vowed to “back myself” to break the longest premiership drought in Broncos history.
On the eve of Sunday’s Easter derby against the Titans at Suncorp Stadium, Milford warned NRL rivals he will continue to attack at all costs — even if he runs the risk of getting “smashed”.
The jury remains out on whether the Milford-Kodi Nikorima scrumbase alliance has premiership-winning quality after the Broncos bumbled through last week’s 9-7 extra-time defeat of the Tigers.
As the highest-paid player in Brisbane’s 30-year history, Milford accepts his $1 million salary means he must deliver more consistently than Nikorima, who is still learning the halfback craft.
Milford’s critics believe he must improve his game-management to become the playmaker who can deliver Brisbane’s first title since 2006, but the Queensland Origin ace is determined to play his way.
“Playing the way I do play has got me to the position I am,” Milford said.
“I’m going to continue to back myself in certain areas of my game.
“The best way I know how to get into a game is to run the ball and get smashed.
“An early touch in the game for me is probably best. I know for me to get into the game, I need to get an early touch.”
That assessment represents a warning signal for the Titans, who are acutely aware of Milford’s attacking brilliance.
In six games against the Titans, he has scored five times — including his two-try demolition at Robina in his maiden year at the Broncos in 2015.
Milford plays his 122nd NRL game on Sunday night, and the 23-year-old says while running the ball is his forte, he has worked hard to add another dimension to his game.
“What has picked up in my game is probably my kicking,” he said. “I’ve taken a lot more responsibility with that and trying to finish our sets in a good position to start our defence.
“It wasn’t an ideal way to start our season against the Dragons but we made up for it against the Cowboys and to get the two points at Campbelltown (against the Tigers) was a big effort.
“The Titans will be doing everything they can to play well at Suncorp Stadium. We will be ready to go.”
Milford will oppose Titans five-eighth Kane Elgey, who returns to his Suncorp Stadium House of Pain.
It has been almost one year to the day since Elgey had his clearing kick charged down by Matt Gillett in the final minute for the Broncos to snatch a 24-22 victory.
“Kane needs to lift his game,” Titans coach Garth Brennan said. “Kane was below his best last week and I need more from him.
“I’ve backed him. I’ve said the No. 6 jumper is yours, so he needs to hang on to it and step up and embrace the challenge of the Broncos.”
Source:
Courier Mail