State of Origin 2017: Anthony Milford will be ‘bulletproof’ after Maroons camp

JOHNATHAN Thurston insists there could be nothing better for Anthony Milford’s development than a week in Queensland Origin camp.

Thurston says Milford will have much to learn in Origin camp. Photo: Adam Head

JOHNATHAN Thurston insists being in Origin camp will be the best thing for Anthony Milford’s development, saying the attacking sensation will return to the Broncos feeling “bulletproof”.

Thurston’s revelation that he wants to play in the series opener this Wednesday night has raised concerns Milford could have his dream of an Origin debut shattered.

Milford has been named in the No.6 jumper but if Thurston defies the odds to play his 37th consecutive Origin game, the Broncos whiz would leave Camp Maroon empty-handed after an eight-day stay.

There is a view Queensland coach Kevin Walters should have ruled Thurston out immediately to give Milford clarity as he prepares for the biggest game of his career.

But Thurston dismissed suggestions speculation over his fitness was unfair on Milford, arguing his stint in Camp Maroon would make the 22-year-old even more potent for the Broncos.

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Thurston says Milford will have much to learn in Origin camp. Photo: Adam Head

“If I was his age and had the opportunity to spend the full week with the calibre of players in this team, I’d be licking my lips,” Thurston said of Milford.

“It’s a wonderful environment to learn and to better yourself.

“You walk away after being in this environment thinking you are bulletproof. You want to be a better player than when you came in here and that’s what this camp will do.

“Whether Milf plays (Origin I) or not, his game will go to another level just by being in here.”

Broncos coach Wayne Bennett is privately miffed at Queensland’s handling of the Milford affair.

Bennett leaves for Auckland without six Maroons players — Milford, Darius Boyd, Sam Thaiday, Corey Oates, Matt Gillett and Josh McGuire — for Saturday night’s clash against the Warriors.

Thurston’s Cowboys coach Paul Green recently hit out at the demands of the representative season on clubs, who pay players’ wages, but the Maroons maestro says there is an upside to Origin camps.

“I understand the coaches have their hat on,” Thurston said. “The Broncos have a game to win this weekend, so I understand where Wayne is coming from.

“But for Milf, the benefits he will get out of this week (learning from Queensland’s elite) will far outweigh his week with the Broncos.”

JT and Milf share a laugh during training. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Thurston says if Milford is given the green light to make his Origin debut, he will not be expected to produce the game-busting brilliance he displays for the Broncos.

“Anthony is the chief at the Broncos, but we don’t need him to be that in the Queensland team,” Thurston said. “We just need him to do his role and play to the best of his ability.

“He has been 18th man before in camps, I’ve had a bit to do with him. We have guys like Cam Smith and Cooper Cronk to get the team around the park and create opportunities. He just needs to play off the back of that. He just needs to know his role within the team and not try to overplay his hand.

“He is an exciting talent and I have full faith he will get the job done.”