Anthony Milford signs new contract, what next for Broncos?

ANTHONY Milford has finally put pen to paper, but the Broncos still have plenty of work to do. We look at the next pieces to fall in Brisbane’s contract puzzle.

Anthony Milford has re-signed with the Broncos, will Darius Boyd be next? Picture: Darren England.

ANTHONY Milford has finally put pen to paper on a new deal, allowing Brisbane to lock in the most prized piece of their contract puzzle for 2018 and beyond.

So what next for the Broncos?

With Milford locked away, Brisbane still has plenty of work to do on the retention front. Already this season they’ve re-signed State of Origin stars Corey Oates and Josh McGuire, along with veteran hooker Andrew McCullough and winger David Mead.

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Anthony Milford has finally signed a new deal with the Broncos. Picture: Darren England

A lucrative contract has lured Sharks premiership star Jack Bird to Brisbane, where he could partner Milford in the halves.

That offsets the loss of current halfback Ben Hunt, who is on his way to the Dragons on a massive contract.

The salary cap squeeze could see more players could follow Hunt out the door.

We take a look at the Broncos retention puzzle for 2018.

RETENTION KEYS

DARIUS BOYD

The Brisbane skipper is the next big piece to fall for Brisbane. All signs point to the Test and State of Origin star staying with the Broncos, but Boyd’s management are still finalising parts of his deal as they also look to set him up for life after football.

Anthony Milford has re-signed with the Broncos, will Darius Boyd be next? Picture: Darren England.

JAMES ROBERTS

The Brisbane centre will stay with the club beyond this year. It was reported last month that he will get a two- or three-year contract, provided he maintains his off-field behaviour. There has been no movement since this point as the Broncos continue to work with the NSW State of Origin hopeful.

RIVAL TARGETS

JORDAN KAHU

The Broncos have been close to finalising a two-year extension for Kiwi Test flyer and Alex Glenn, but they have had their rivals for Kahu’s signature.

As revealed by The Courier-Mail, Warriors coach Steve Kearney has launched a secret poaching bid for Kahu.

Jordan Kahu and Alex Glenn are both close to finalising new Broncos deals. Picture: Darren England

JAI ARROW

The Broncos face a battle to retain the player earmarked to replace Broncos legend Corey Parker, with the Titans circling workhorse Arrow.

Gold Coast coach Neil Henry has sounded out Arrow’s management over the possibility of the forward returning to his home town.

UP IN THE AIR

BENJI MARSHALL

The former Tigers and Dragons star’s stint in Brisbane has been cruelled by injury, but he’s keen to continue in the NRL. Whether that will be in Broncos colours remains to be seen.

Marshall’s manager Mario Tartak has confirmed the ex-Kiwis Test captain has no plans to retire and would ideally like to stay at Red Hill, but to do so he is looking at another season on a contract worth about $100,000.

“He’d love to remain at the Broncos but it will depend on where there is an opportunity,” Tartak said.

— Travis Meyn

FULL BRONCOS OFF-CONTRACT LIST

Courtesy Fox Sports’ Market Watch

Jai Arrow, Joe Boyce, Darius Boyd, Mitch Cronin, Mitchell Dodds, Salesi Funaki, Alex Glenn, Jordan Kahu, Benji Marshall, Francis Molo, Joe Ofahengaue, James Roberts, Marion Seve, Travis Waddell

POTENTIAL 2018 BRONCOS LINE-UP

1. UN-SIGNED (Darius Boyd)

2. Corey Oates

3. UN-SIGNED (James Roberts)

4. Tautau Moga

5. UN-SIGNED (Jordan Kahu)

6. Jack Bird

7. Anthony Milford

8. Korbin Sims

9. Andrew McCullough

10. Adam Blair

11. Sam Thaiday

12. Matt Gillett

13. Josh McGuire.

14. UN-SIGNED (Alex Glenn)

15. UN-SIGNED (Joe Ofahengaue)

16. Herman Ese’ese

17. UN-SIGNED (Jai Arrow)

18. Kodi Nikorima