Wayne Bennett seething over Anthony Milford State of Origin selection saga

WAYNE Bennett and Kevin Walters are on a collision course over the Origin availability of Anthony Milford, with claims of broken promises.

Johnathan Thurston warms up during a Maroons training session at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

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QUEENSLAND coach Kevin Walters is facing a showdown with Wayne Bennett as tensions over the selection of Bronco Anthony Milford for Origin I reached flashpoint last night.

Bennett is expected to seek answers from the Queensland hierarchy today amid claims the Maroons have broken a promise to the Broncos coach.

Anthony Milford’s selection for Origin I is causing tensions with the Broncos. Picture: Getty Images

Playmaker Johnathan Thurston is under an injury cloud for Origin I, prompting Walters to name him as 18th man, with Milford handed the No.6 jumper.

Bennett released Milford on Monday, having reportedly received assurances that the Maroons would decide Thurston’s fate for Origin I today.

But Thurston yesterday revealed he would be given until Wednesday – game night at Suncorp Stadium – to prove his fitness for the series opener.

Bennett hoped to receive notification from Walters today so Milford would be free to play for the Broncos, who leave today for Saturday night’s clash against the Warriors in Auckland.

But with Thurston having another six days to prove his fitness, Milford remains in limbo in Camp Maroon, leaving the depleted Broncos without six Origin stars for the Warriors game.

Kevin Walters

Wayne Bennett

Bennett and Walters declined to comment last night. But the Broncos coach is believed to be seething over Queensland’s handling of the affair and the changing deadline on Thurston’s fitness.

The selection saga first surfaced last Friday, when Bennett revealed he would not release Milford for Origin duty unless he was guaranteed selection in the Maroons’ 17-man squad.

At the time, Milford was set to be installed as 18th man as a shadow player for Thurston, but Bennett softened his stance when Walters advised him the Broncos sensation would be named in the No.6 jumper.

However, Thurston’s revelation that he could play in Origin I, potentially leaving Milford on the sidelines for both the Broncos and Queensland, has Bennett demanding answers.

Originally published as Wayne Bennett seething over Anthony Milford State of Origin selection saga