NRL 2021: Anthony Milford could have South Sydney contract torn up after arrest

Anthony Milford faces an uncertain NRL future after the departing Broncos star was charged by police with three counts of assault – with police saying two of the three alleged victims were women – following an altercation in Brisbane.

Anthony Milford could have his lifeline contract with South Sydney torn up without kicking a football if he is found guilty of assault charges.

The future of the departing Broncos star is up in the air after he was charged by police with three counts of assault following an altercation in Brisbane over the weekend.

In a tumultuous end to his seven-year Broncos career, Milford was detained by police and spent the night in lock-up on Sunday night after what they allege was a “verbal and physical altercation” with his wife Miri, the mother of his two children.

Watch every 2021 NRL Telstra Finals Series match before Grand Final. Live & Ad-Break Free on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free >

It is understood Milford was embroiled in a verbal argument with his partner, prompting three nearby witnesses – a man and two women – to intervene.

“Police were called to Marshall Street in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley shortly before 2am following reports of a disturbance,” a Queensland Police spokesperson said.

“A number of bystanders allegedly attempted to break up the altercation,” a police spokesman said.

“In the course of events the 27-year-old man allegedly assaulted two other women and caused damage to a parked motor vehicle.

“Police will also allege the man assaulted a 19-year-old man before being apprehended.

“A 27-year-old Forest Lake man was arrested nearby and charged with three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of wilful damage.

“He was given police bail to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on October 20.”

Milford was released from police custody on Monday morning.

Brisbane Broncos' Anthony Milford spent the night in lock-up on Sunday. Picture: NRL Photos

It’s understood the three counts of assault do not involve his partner, and that the wilful damage charge stems from claims he allegedly threw a garbage can at a car.

The police charges do not automatically trigger the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy. However, rugby league’s governing body is still waiting to receive the charge sheet from Queensland Police as it undertakes its own investigation.

“The NRL is aware of the alleged incident and the Integrity Unit is working with Queensland Police,” an NRL spokesman said.

BRONCOS 2021 ROSTER RATER: WHO STARRED AND WHO FLOPPED?

The NRL does have discretionary power to stand down players, depending on the circumstances, as it did with Manly’s Dylan Walker and Penrith’s Tyrone May, despite their charges not meeting the automatic criteria of the stand-down policy.

Milford has signed a one-year contract with South Sydney, who would be forced to bear the burden of any potential NRL suspension that may occur, providing they stand by their incoming new man.

“I’ll speak to the Broncos, but he is not due to start with us until mid-November,” South Sydney CEO Blake Solly said.

Anthony Milford was released from police custody this morning. Photographer: Liam Kidston

The Broncos released a statement on Monday morning regarding their departing $1 million man.

“Anthony Milford has completed his contractual duties with the Brisbane Broncos,” the statement said.

“He is on leave and due to begin a new NRL contract elsewhere at the commencement of the 2022 pre-season.

“As the matter is now before the courts, the Broncos will make no further comment.”

It’s understood Milford met with his lawyer on Tuesday to discuss the charges.

The footy star is being represented by defence lawyer Dave Garratt who has previously acted for other high profile clients including Broncos players Kotoni Staggs and Payne Haas.

Mr Garratt declined to comment on the case when contacted by The Courier-Mail.

Mr Garratt, a partner at Howden Saggers, acted for Broncos coach Anthony Seibold when he was the victim of vile social media attacks last year.

He also represented Broncos player Kotoni Staggs who was the victim of a revenge porn incident in which a woman distributed an intimate recording of the pair.

Mr Garratt also represented Broncos player Payne Hass after a verbal altercation with police earlier this year.

The drama comes just days after revelations of a pub fight involving Broncos prop Tom Flegler, which left teammate Jordan Riki with a split lip, as Brisbane’s post-season celebrations took a sour turn.

The NRL integrity unit last week cleared Brisbane of any sanctions related to the Flegler-Riki bust-up.

The incident comes just 10 days after Milford and his wife attended Brisbane’s end-of-season awards night, where coach Kevin Walters briefly broke down as he paid tribute to the Broncos playmaker’s 151-game career at Red Hill.