Million-dollar NRL reject could make sudden return

A report claims a major twist in Anthony Milford’s court proceedings has opened the door for one club to greenlight a contract offer.

Brisbane Broncos' Anthony Milford. Picture: NRL Photos

Anthony Milford is reportedly set to take up a contract offer from the Newcastle Knights following a twist in his court proceedings this week.

The 27-year-old has been in exile since the NRL refused to register his contract with South Sydney in November.

Brutally referred to by fans as Brisbane’s $1 million-per-year flop, Milford now reportedly has a chance to resume his career with the Knights.

However, rugby league great Laurie Daley has issued a warning to the Knights that Milford may be a wasted recruitment move.

On September 20, Milford was arrested and charged with three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of wilful damage involving a vehicle.

The Courier-Mail now reports two of three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm could be dropped.

The report details Milford may be free to take up a deal with the Knights as soon as March 30 — the earliest possible date for his re-scheduled next court appearance.

South Sydney had signed Milford to a cut-price deal in November, but the club will reportedly waive its claim to the playmaker.

Milford would potentially be a smart fit for the Knights with the club looking to add some depth in the halves alongside Jake Clifford and Adam Clune.

Brisbane Broncos player Anthony Milford. Pic NRL Photos.

The Courier Mail reports the Knights would have a one-year, $150,000 offer ready for Milford to sign, should he be cleared in the court proceedings.

Channel 7 NRL reporter Michelle Bishop told SEN: “We won’t see him in a Bunnies jersey, that’s pretty obvious. He’s likely to land in Newcastle.

“The Knights are really keen to secure him on a contract worth $150,000, it is all a bit of a wait and see.”

According to widespread reports, Milford is expected to join Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins when the club enters the NRL in 2023.

The NRL previously released a statement to outline why it would not consider an application to have Milford registered to return to the league until the court process is complete.

“Given the severity of the allegations, particularly that two charges allege violence against women, the NRL will not consider an application,” the NRL said of Milford’s future.

Daley, meanwhile, says he understands Newcastle’s decision to go after Milford, but doesn’t believe the playmaker will return to his career-best form at the club.

“He gives them cover and he also could play that No. 14 role off the bench,” Daley said on Sky Sports Radio.

“He’s got to get fit and he has to get that want and desire. He hasn’t been his best since the grand final in 2015.

“He’s got all the talent in the world, but for me he’s never looked fit. I never look at Milford and say, ‘Gee, he looks fit’. Milford always looked like he was carrying that little bit of extra weight. And he never looked like he had that fitness level for effort after effort.”

The Rabbitohs issued a statement last year backing the verdict from the NRL not to register Milford’s contract.

“The South Sydney Rabbitohs respect and support the NRL’s decision to not register a contract for Anthony Milford at this stage,” the statement read.

“The Rabbitohs will await the outcome of the legal proceedings and the NRL’s final determination before commenting further.”

Originally published as Million-dollar NRL reject could make sudden return