NRL 2020: Anthony Milford’s former halves partner Kodi Nikorima wary of million-dollar man’s new-found form

Anthony Milford showcased some red hot form in Saturday’s trial against the Cowboys and it has his opponents – and former halves partner – wary of what’s in store for 2020.

Anthony Milford runs the ball for the Broncos against the Cowboys. Picture: Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos

Broncos maestro Anthony Milford has started the year in red-hot form and his former halves partner Kodi Nikorima is wary he could return to his scintillating best.

Milford was one of the standouts during Brisbane’s wet and slippery 18-16 trial match loss to the Cowboys in Cairns.

The playmaking ace set up two tries for centre Jesse Arthars and scored one himself in similar form to his 2015 season, where he helped steer the Broncos to the NRL grand final.

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Flanked by high-profile recruit Brodie Croft at halfback on Saturday night, Milford was able to play his natural running game while Croft was tasked with controlling the tempo.

The pair received high praise from their coach Anthony Seibold after the game, lauding their playmaking combination.

Anthony Milford runs the ball for the Broncos against the Cowboys. Picture: Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos

The club’s title campaign this year will depend on the success of the Croft and Milford alliance and Saturday’s trial has got them off on the right foot.

Million dollar man Milford has impressed over the off-season, shedding 3kg from his frame and taking up extra-curricular boxing lessons to improve his fitness.

Which is why former Brisbane halfback Nikorima, now at the Warriors, is wary of “Milf’s” new-found form.

Nikorima became Milford’s fulltime halves partner in 2018, where he remained until his exit from the club at the start of last year.

The Maori All Stars representative player said moving Milford back into the No. 6 jersey from the fullback role was a wise move by Seibold.

He said Milford’s natural running and passing game suited him best as a five-eighth rather than a fullback, where he was forced to play in the back end of last year.

“He looks like he’s been training really hard and is in for a big season,” Nikorima said.

“Moving him into five-eighth is a good idea. That’s where he plays his best footy.

“Especially nowadays with the amount of kilometres that fullbacks tend to run … the fullback’s role is changing and he can blame his teammate Darius Boyd for that. Between Boyd and Billy Slater, they changed the way fullbacks play the game.

“Usually, they were the one who made the kick return and then bludge for a bit but nowadays, they’re in everything.”

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The Broncos led 10-4 at halftime on Saturday before Milford finished off a fine 60-metre movement for a 16-10 lead in the 52nd minute, only for Cowboys hooker Reuben Cotter to stun Brisbane with two tries in the final 14 minutes.