Kevin Walters says Anthony Milford, not Michael Morgan, will start at five-eighth for Queensland

KEVIN Walters has confirmed Anthony Milford will start at five-eighth for Queensland in Origin I, denying speculation of a late switch with Michael Morgan.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA — MAY 25: Anthony Milford passes the ball during a Queensland Maroons State of Origin training session at Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort Training Field on May 25, 2017 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

ANTHONY Milford has staved off Michael Morgan for the starting five-eighth spot with coach Kevin Walters backing his debutant to handle a NSW onslaught in Origin I.

Speculation suggested Walters would produce a classic eleventh-hour Origin selection switch by elevating Morgan into the starting side to protect Milford from the ferocious early exchanges.

At 176cm, Milford will be the shortest player on the field in Origin I and there were suggestions utility Morgan would be pitchforked into battle to absorb some early defensive punishment.

But The Courier-Mail can reveal Milford will partner Cooper Cronk from the opening minutes, with Walters last night backing his rookie pivot to halt NSW’s big boppers led by Andrew Fifita.

“There’s no way I’m benching Anthony. He is starting,” Walters said.

Milford will be the shortest players on the field.

“I don’t play mind games. I wouldn’t have Anthony in the team if I didn’t think he could handle the first 20 minutes.

“Anthony is 90kg, Allan Langer (Maroons halfback great) was 68kg when he played his first Origin game, so I have no doubts whatsoever that Milf can handle what is thrown at him by NSW.

“I wouldn’t throw him to the wolves if I didn’t think he can handle this level.”

Milford completed his second training run at Sanctuary Cove in an opposed session with the Queensland under-20s side coached by former Broncos skipper Justin Hodges.

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Morgan has a better understanding of Queensland’s tactical systems than Milford.

He has played five games for the Maroons, all off the bench, and is now in his third Origin campaign after being blooded in 2015.

Walters weighed up the merits of promoting Morgan at five-eighth, but says the Cowboys ace brings a better balance to the Maroons in a Mr Fixit role off interchange.

“Morgs is a little unfortunate,” Walters said.

“I would have no hesitation in starting him, but for the balance of the team, Morgs is better suited in the role that he has been doing and we’ll give Milf the first crack (at five-eighth) for game one.

Milford will make his Origin debut alongside Cooper Cronk in the halves.

“Last year Michael got a head knock in Game One so he had minimal influence on the game. In Game Two he had a knee injury and in Game Three he didn’t play, so this is Michael’s opportunity this year in that utility role.

“This year, I need Morgo to not be good, but be great. There’s a difference.”

Milford’s form this year has fluctuated. His moments of brilliance have been tempered by some worrying defensive efforts, but Walters is adamant he will relish the Origin stage.

“The bigger the game, the better Anthony plays,” he said.

“For 79 minutes of the (2015) NRL grand final, he was the best payer on the field. Because the Cowboys ended up winning, he didn’t get the accolades he deserved.

“When you see that in a player, that gives me faith he can fire in Origin.

“He’s only 22, so he’s got some special qualities for me to believe he can play State of Origin at such a young age.”