Five of the most controversial signings in Broncos history

With Anthony Milford’s career at the Brisbane Broncos all-but over, we take a look back at some of the most controversial signings in the club’s history.

He was the Brisbane Broncos most expensive player ever, and he won’t be offered a new deal next season.

But $1 million playmaker Anthony Milford is not the only signing to have backfired at Red Hill.

We take a look back at the five most controversial signings in Broncos history.

ANTHONY MILFORD

Anthony Milford at Broncos Training at Red Hill. Pic Annette Dew

Signed the richest deal in Broncos history with his four-year deal worth a record $1 million a season in 2017. Milford was hailed as the playmaker who would deliver a premiership, but he hasn’t delivered bang for his huge bucks.

BEN BARBA

Ben Barba lasted just one season with the Broncos before joining Cronulla. Picture: Zak Simmonds.

Came to the Broncos in 2014 on the back of his incredibly Dally M season in 2012. But the dream signing turned to disaster. While Barba played in all 25 games for the Broncos, he was overweight and a shadow of the tackle-busting dynamo who was the NRL’s No. 1 player. He lasted just one season before joining the Sharks.

MATT LODGE

Broncos coach Kevin Walters is trying to offload Matt Lodge, who has singed a four-year extension. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The controversial prop caused international outrage when he signed with the Broncos in 2018. He angered US victims following his New York rampage in 2015 and Broncos boss Paul White had to fly to America to broker a compensation deal. Lodge has since signed a rich four-year extension and coach Kevin Walters is trying to offload him.

JACK BIRD

Jack Bird in training at Brisbane Broncos HQ. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Bird won a premiership at Cronulla but his four-year deal with the Broncos was ravaged by injury. Bird played just 17 games in three seasons due to sternum, shoulder and two knee reconstructions, prompting Brisbane to offload him to the Dragons this season on a subsidised deal.

BRODIE CROFT

Brodie Croft was touted as the man who could take the Broncos to a premiership. Picture: Liam Kidston

The former Storm playmaker was bought by former coach Anthony Seibold last year and touted as the man who could steer Brisbane to a premiership. But he has largely struggled and has fallen out of favour with Seibold’s successor Kevin Walters. Croft is contracted until the end of 2022 but the Broncos would be prepared to offload him.