Anthony Milford wants to represent Samoa in May and at the World Cup if not selected by Australia

ANTHONY Milford wants to rekindle representing Samoa in May and at the World Cup later this year if he’s not given a Test debut by Australia.

ANTHONY Milford wants to rekindle representing Samoa in May and at the World Cup later this year if he’s not given a Test debut by Australia.

Samoa’s May 6 Test will be against the Wayne Bennett-coached England, 12 months after Bennett rebuffed criticism of him that he had pressured Milford to make himself unavailable for the Pacific island nation of his heritage.

Asked if he available for the May Test, Milford said: “Yes, that I know of. For now, I’m available and whatever happens, happens.

“It would (be good to play against England) and to put the blue jersey of Samoa back on would be pretty cool and pretty surreal.

“It’s good for the sport that players who miss out on the Kiwi or Aussie side can play for their (heritage) nation. It makes the comp a lot harder. I’m looking forward to it.’’

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Milford is hoping to wear Samoa’s colours. Photo: Annette Dew

Bennett answered criticism of him over Milford’s unavailability by saying a few days later that it had been the Broncos No.6’s decision.

Under eligibility rules revised later last year, players can nominate a tier one nation — Australia, New Zealand or England — and a second nation prior to an international tournament.

Milford represented Samoa at the 2013 World Cup before switching his allegiance to Australia under existing rules by agreeing to play for Queensland’s under-20s in 2014.

Australia will pick a 24-man team for the World Cup, which starts in late October, after which any unselected players would be able to be picked up by coaches of “tier-two’’ league nations.

England clash with Samoa features on an international league triple-header at Campbelltown on May 6, with Tautau Moga (Samoa) and Korbin Sims (Fiji) among other Broncos saying they wanted to play again for their country of family heritage this year.

Milford will play for the third time on Friday night against his old club Canberra at Suncorp Stadium and says he keeps in touch with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart despite his big-money transfer back to Queensland.

“I was extremely happy for them. A few players who weren’t making first grade when I was there are superstars now,’’ he said.

“It was always going to happen under Ricky that they’d develop. When he started (in 2014) he knew what he wanted.

“I’m still good mates with Ricky too. I really enjoy my time and have a lot of respect for Ricky. He’s a very straight up man. We’ve kept in contact since.’’