Anthony Milford more concerned with Brisbane surviving the Origin period than a Maroons debut

ANTHONY Milford is thinking about one thing, and it’s not a potential State of Origin debut for Queensland.

Anthony Milford tackles Daly Cherry-Evans during the round 10 NRL game between the Brisbane Broncos and Many Sea Eagles at Suncorp Stadium. Pics Adam Head

ANTHONY Milford says he is more concerned about Brisbane’s chances of surviving the Origin period than making his Queensland debut.

The Broncos playmaker is one of a few contenders who could replace Maroons veteran Johnathan Thurston for Origin I later this month, should he fail to recover from a shoulder injury.

Milford was solid in his first major audition for the role on Saturday night against the Sea Eagles and will have another chance to impress in Friday’s clash with the Tigers.

But the young talent claims he is not focused on making the Queensland team, but more on getting the Broncos through the Origin period.

Milford could land his Origin debut if Thurston isn’t fit.

It is a notoriously tough time for Brisbane and their performances during that time last year cost them a spot in the top four after they lost seven of their nine games between Rounds 11 and 21.

Milford does not want a repeat of this in 2017.

“It was pretty tough for us last year,” Milford said.

“We were one win away from being in the top four because of (Origin). It’s massive. It’s very important for us to get through it to set us up for the back end of the year.

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“One of my main goals this year was to be consistent in my football. As the weeks go on, I think I’m getting better and the confidence in the team is pretty good and pretty high.

“We just need to be strong when the boys go away for that Origin period.”

If he misses Queensland selection, Milford will be a big part of the Broncos plans for the Origin period.

Brisbane are guaranteed to lose a number of big names again this year, with Sam Thaiday, Matt Gillett, Josh McGuire and Darius Boyd all to be selected for Queensland.

Corey Oates is also a chance of being recalled for the Maroons, as he battles it out with Australian winger Valentine Holmes for a starting spot, while selectors have said Milford is still in the frame.

After coming up against fellow halves contender Daly Cherry-Evans on Saturday, Milford said he was unsure whether he had done enough to impress the Queensland selectors.

“It’s up to the selectors,” he said.

“Whether they pick me or not is totally in their hands. The only thing I can control is my performance.”