Anthony Milford’s message to Broncos fans: Thanks for sticking with us
Following their heartbreaking five-game losing stream, the Brisbane Broncos’ biggest stars have vowed to deliver fans a performance to be proud of in their crucial clash against the Warriors – and a club legend says one thing will be key to a win.
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BRONCOS enigma Anthony Milford has broken his silence to thank Brisbane fans for their patience and declare his side ready to take them to a brighter world.
The mood at Red Hill has changed from a chastened numbness after five losses in a row to one of pure, desperate resolve entering today’s crucial encounter against the Warriors at Central Coast Stadium.
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“Thank you for sticking with us,’’ was Milford’s message to the fans on Friday.
“There are brighter times ahead. Hopefully we can put on a performance on this weekend everyone is proud of.
“What we dished up on the weekend (in a loss to the Titans) wasn’t Broncos style but just hang with us. We want to be doing our best for you.
“It has been a big, long month for us and personally. It’s a tough old slog. The big thing is we’re all sticking together and we know what we’re doing wrong. We’re trying to fix that at training.’’
Several players wore scathing criticism after the Titans loss for their jovial exchanges with rival players after full time but the more telling sign of their mood were the dressing room tears which followed soon after.
Experienced utility Corey Oates reassured fans the team is as disappointed as they are.
“I just want to let the Broncos fans know we are trying our guts out,’’ Oates said.
“No one hates losing more than me. I love the Broncos jumper and we understand the responsibility of playing well for this club with its history.
“There’s no doubt our confidence is down but there’s a long way to go in this season. Don’t write us off yet.’’
The fighting words from Milford and Oates come as former premiership hero Brent Tate, one of the most determined players to ever don the Brisbane strip, offered a rousing call to arms, urging “the guys with the scars to lead the way back’’.
Tate played in the Broncos last premiership team in 2006 which rebounded from losing five games in a row to take the title.
He feels the blueprint which sparked the stunning 2006 turnaround can again be the road map to recovery.
“It starts with your senior players,’’ Tate said.
“In 2006 we lost five in a row but we got on the back of the Darren Lockyer’s and Brad Thorn’s and Shane Webcke’s. As young kids we just followed them.
“The experienced guys have got to be the ones who lead them out of it. Its players like Anthony Milford, Darius Boyd and Joe Ofahengaue who has played Test footy and Origin footy and Matt Lodge. They have to show the way.
“Pat Carrigan and those guys are good kids and they are going to be good leaders but it is a big ask to expect them to lead the way at this time.
“The guys with the scars know the way out. Once they get going the Carrigan’s and company will follow them and that is how they get their scars.
“You are never that far off. If we were talking about the Warriors it is a different conversation but this Broncos team is not that far off.’’
Tate urged the current side to remember you don’t have to be perfectly formed side to take the competition by storm and held up the 2006 premiers as an example.
“We had Shaun Berrigan playing hooker defending in the centres, David Stagg playing in the middle and the centres.
“Karmichael Hunt had come back from injury and playing on the wing. It was not smooth sailing. But that side had a steel about it and knew where it was going to go.’’
“I saw the comments from Wayne Bennett saying the Broncos have a very good roster and they actually do. They have a roster that could win a premiership.
“After the first couple of rounds I thought “this team is ready.’ Sometimes it can all get lost but this team could win the comp if they were all playing well.
“There is no formula for getting out of the form slump they are in. No secret. You have to hunker down as a group. You have to work hard and fire your way out of it. It is as simple as that.’’
Former Test halfback Cooper Cronk believes this should be the day when Brisbane discard its controversially complex game plan and plays on pure passion.
Throw away the sheet music and just play. Run hard. Tackle ferociously. Keep it simple. Play on heart.
Be driven by the deeds of the famous men who wore the jersey before you. Above all never give in.
If there is one thing that Brisbane’s form slump has proved to the players it is how much their fans care.
The players never again want to be booed from the field as they were at halftime against the Titans but they understand the root of the contempt was a deep-seated care.
“That was hard,’’ Milford said. “It made me feel not good. It’s our fault and we just need to get out of this mess at the moment.’’
The consoling thought for the Broncos is that a midwinter revival is not Mission Impossible or even Mission Improbable.
They simply have to play to their ability and the recovery will look after itself.
YOUNG FANS IN CALL TO ARMS
SMALL in stature but not in passion, the Broncos’ youngest diehards have voiced a call to arms for supporters ahead of Saturday’s clash against the Warriors.
Will, 10, and Chloe Peterson, 8, joined a group of fervent youngsters lobbying in support for their team who need encouragement ‘now more than ever’.
Their philosophy was simple: the team need “inspiration”.
“Will keeps telling me the reason (the Broncos) are having a hard time is because there’s no crowd backing them,” Mum, Jodie Peterson said.
Originally published as Anthony Milford’s message to Broncos fans: Thanks for sticking with us