NRL 2022: Wayne Bennett legal letter to seal Anthony Milford’s Dolphins deal

It was the character reference which swayed a Brisbane magistrate - and it’s set to decide Anthony Milford’s NRL future.

Anthony Milford will reunite with Wayne Bennett. Picture: AAP/Dave Hunt

Anthony Milford is coming home to Queensland with the controversial former Broncos playmaker set to quit Newcastle and ink a new deal to reunite with super coach Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins.

News Corp can reveal Milford is in the advanced stages of finalising terms on a two-year contract to be the Dolphins’ first-choice five-eighth for their historic foundation NRL campaign next season.

Milford, who turned 28 last week, will be the chief playmaker in a Dolphins spine comprising Sean O’Sullivan, Jamayne Isaako, Jeremy Marshall-King and his former Broncos halves partner Kodi Nikorima.

The Dolphins are tipped to announce Milford’s signing this week. It is part of Bennett’s longer-term strategic plan to partner Brisbane’s former $1 million man with Storm target Cameron Munster at the Dolphins scrumbase in 2024.

Milford was thrown a lifeline by Newcastle in April, with the NRL agreeing to register his six-month Knights deal after the pivot had serious assault charges dropped following an off-field incident in Brisbane last September.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Anthony Milford will reunite with Wayne Bennett. Picture: AAP/Dave Hunt

Milford, who played his 200th NRL game on Saturday against Manly, has impressed Newcastle with his attitude, prompting the Knights to table a three-year extension for the former Queensland Origin star.

But the Dolphins have trumped the Knights in the battle for Milford’s signature.

When Milford faced a possible jail term during his legal ordeal, it was Bennett’s character reference which convinced a Brisbane magistrate he would not re-offend and the playmaker has not forgotten the super coach’s show of faith.

The Knights are privately resigned to losing Milford. While they offered an extra year compared to the Dolphins’ contract, Milford’s wife is understood to be homesick in Newcastle, sealing the deal for the NRL’s 17th team.

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett. NRL Imagery

Milford played his best football under Bennett. He almost pipped Johnathan Thurston for the Clive Churchill Medal in the 2015 grand final and while he lost his way in his final years at the Broncos, Milford’s experience will be vital for the Dolphins in the new franchise’s embryonic years.

Bennett recently told News Corp he wanted Milford in Dolphins colours, insisting the highest-paid player in Brisbane’s history is not a spent force.

“I would love to sign Anthony, he is one of the most gifted players I have coached,” the Dolphins coach said.

“He has played 200 games and he is not even 30 yet, so his best football is ahead of him.

“Anthony played some wonderful football for the Broncos in that period when we made the grand final in 2015. At the right club with the right coach, he will be a wonderful player again.

“He went through a contrast from being in a grand final to being at a club that won the wooden spoon at the Broncos. There is more maturity in his game now.

“There’s no doubt Anthony has lost his confidence over the last few years, but I’m confident I can help Anthony turn things around.”

Anthony Milford is heading back to Queensland. NRL Imagery

Bennett remains confident he can outbid the Storm and deliver a Munster-Milford scrumbase strike force for the Dolphins’ second season in 2024.

In an exclusive interview with News Corp in May, Milford lauded Bennett’s support during the legal battle to clear his name.

“It was massive for me to have Wayne on my side,” he said.

“Through the whole drama, he always called me and checked on my welfare in that six-month period.

“I am grateful to have someone like Wayne and the advice he gave me. He didn’t have to check on me through that time, he was busy himself, but he always found time for me which I will never forget.”