Anthony Milford’s mindset must change as main man in Broncos attack

THE chance has arrived for Anthony Milford to stamp his authority on this Broncos team, writes DARREN LOCKYER.

Anthony Milford has the chance to step up for the Broncos. Picture: Peter Wallis

THIS is a Sliding Doors moment for Anthony Milford.

With Kodi Nikorima succumbing to injury, the chance has arrived for Milford to stamp his authority on this Broncos team in Saturday’s crucial away clash against the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium.

During the past month, there has been a forensic analysis of Brisbane’s halves. More suggested combinations have been thrown-up than you’d find in the weekly Lotto draw.

There has been a persistent push for a Jack Bird-Anthony Milford scrumbase combination to spark the Broncos. On Saturday, without halfback Nikorima, one door closes, another one opens.

We will find out if the Milford-Bird alliance has genuine merit ... and whether coach Wayne Bennett has to make some tough decisions about the composition of his nerve centre.

I’m excited about this occasion for Milford. This is not taking anything away from Nikorima, who has won 13 of 18 games as a starting halfback, but just examining Anthony in isolation, he gets to be the general of this Broncos team.

Anthony Milford has the chance to step up for the Broncos. Picture: Peter Wallis

Playing alongside Nikorima, whom he has known since his teens, Milford seemed content with a shared, collaborative approach in running the Broncos’ game plans.

But on Saturday there is no question who is the main man in the Broncos offence. Off-season recruit Bird is new to Brisbane’s systems and raw in his role as a back-up playmaker.

Milford’s mindset should change now.

By virtue of his estimated $1 million salary, there will always be pressure on Milford. Because he is the team’s highest-paid player, and arguably their most gifted, there has been an understandable request for Milford to wear the No. 7 jumper.

As the primary shot-caller, I hope Milford doesn’t go into his shell. He must embrace the pressure.

My advice is for Milford to own this team and in particular the forwards.

When the Broncos won the premiership in 2006, my halfback partner, Shane Perry, was superb in the way he would bark at our forwards to get them over the advantage line and organise the team.

If Milford and hooker Andrew McCullough can take control and get Brisbane’s forwards rolling, he and Bird will get the latitude to do what they do best — be a running threat.

Jack Bird will team with Anthony Milford in the halves for the Broncos.

Milford feels he is at his best when running the ball but he should also be aware of how he gets his teammates to generate momentum and build pressure. It’s important he doesn’t overplay his hand and that’s the balance that all great playmakers eventually strike.

Not only have the Broncos lost Nikorima on the right edge, but also Matt Gillett, whose fractured neck is a huge blow for a Brisbane side that relies on his professionalism and defensive toughness.

The irony is there isn’t too much pressure on the Broncos today. Brisbane’s form is patchy and the Warriors are on top of the league, so this is the perfect platform for Bird to be road-tested in the halves.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Milford is a handful for the Warriors, but right now the Broncos shouldn’t expect attacking miracles. They just need to muscle up, grind out a win and perhaps give their master coach some food for thought with his halves.

Originally published as Anthony Milford’s mindset must change as main man in Broncos attack