NRL 2021: Broncos coach Kevin Walters challenges Anthony Milford to earn new deal as rivals circle

Broncos coach Kevin Walters has put the onus on maligned star Anthony Milford to prove his worth for a new contract as two rival clubs circle the $1m playmaker.

Coach Kevin Walters and Matt Lodge during training with the Brisbane Broncos, Red Hill. Photographer: Liam Kidston

Broncos coach Kevin Walters has challenged Anthony Milford to stave off Kotoni Staggs for the No.6 jumper as two NRL rivals circle Brisbane’s besieged $1 million playmaker.

Milford remains off-contract at season’s end and admits his future at Brisbane has reached a critical point on the eve of Saturday night’s clash against the Cowboys in Townsville.

Centre strike weapon Staggs is keen to play five-eighth next season and his four-year, $2.8 million retention on Wednesday could be viewed as another nail in the coffin for Milford at the Broncos.

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Walters axed Milford to the Intrust Super Cup three weeks ago and his recall to the Broncos’ top squad last week, after two games at Souths Logan, represents the pivot’s final chance to convince Brisbane bosses he is worth a new deal.

Milford’s latest partnership with halfback Tyson Gamble delivered instant success in last week’s 36-28 win over the Titans and Walters implored Brisbane’s highest-paid player to make a statement against the Cowboys.

Kevin Walters says Anthony Milford’s future at the Broncos is in his hands. Picture: Annette Dew

“The ball is in Anthony’s court on where his future is, certainly,” Walters said when asked if Milford will be given a new contract. “That’s a decision he makes, not the club.

“We just want ‘Milf’ to be the player that he can be.

“He showed some good form last week and if continues to produce that, he gives himself every opportunity (to remain at the Broncos).”

Milford at least has options if the Broncos show him the door.

Two rivals have lodged expressions of interest with his management, although the reality is the former Queensland Origin utility is facing a pay cut of around $500,000 wherever he plays in the NRL next season.

Milford’s preference is to stay at the Broncos, but time is running out for the veteran of 186 first-grade games, with Staggs set to return from a knee injury in round 14.

“It is an important time for me,” he said. “There are several of us boys coming off-contract and the guys the Broncos want to keep will be their first priority.

“I have to keep backing myself and if a new contract comes, it comes. If it doesn’t, then I have to keep working hard and see what options there are for me.

“I don’t think my career was ever in doubt (after his axing). All I can control is the way I train and the way I play.

“I know I have to be better than what I have been and if I start playing consistently, the contract will look after itself.”

Milford admits his relegation to the Intrust Super Cup was a blessing in disguise.

“It’s good to be back in the NRL,” he said.

Anthony Milford is determined to get back to his best form for the Broncos. Picture: Annette Dew

“I enjoyed myself at Souths Logan and I‘m grateful to be called back and play some NRL.

“It was pretty good to go back to Queensland Cup and enjoy my football. There was some fun back in football for me.

“I bumped around with guys who worked all day and then they would come to training looking forward to playing. It made me appreciate everything we get in the NRL. The boys at Souths Logan were great and I made some good mates there.

“Kevvie has just told me to just go out and enjoy myself, because when I do that, something always happens. I’m at my best when I’m enjoying my football and then I can start to build some momentum.”

‘I OWE THIS CLUB’: LODGE’S PROMISE TO BRONCOS FANS

Under fire Matt Lodge has appealed for Brisbane coach Kevin Walters not to tear up his contract as the controversial prop vowed to fight to save his career at the Broncos.

Breaking his silence on his rumoured rift with Walters, Lodge has pledged to prove to the Broncos coach he is worth retaining as he prepares for Saturday night’s Queensland derby against the Cowboys.

Speculation over Lodge’s future has swirled around Red Hill for the past six months with a fresh report last week revealing Walters had called a meeting with the prop to tell him he was surplus to requirements under the salary cap.

Kevin Walters has had a candid chat with Matt Lodge about his future at the club.

While Walters believes Lodge has upside as a front-rower, his current salary, believed to be in excess of $700,000, puts the prop in the firing line at a time when Brisbane are attempting to recalibrate their salary cap.

Lodge is contracted until the end of next season and then has a further two-year option in his favour, meaning he is locked in at Brisbane until the end of 2024 — unless the Broncos can broker a subsidised transfer deal.

Lodge has been linked with moves to the Warriors and Panthers but the Penrith junior says his heart is with the Broncos after their lifeline following his infamous New York rampage in 2015.

“To be honest, I love it here,” said Lodge, who was deregistered by the NRL for two years before Brisbane helped him fight back with feeder club Redcliffe in the Intrust Super Cup.

“I owe a lot to this club for giving me another chance.

“I’m always grateful to be at the Broncos. I came here four years ago with a 20kg suitcase and I was on Centrelink payments, so whatever happens happens.

“I don‘t want to leave the club.

Lodge has found some impressive form in recent weeks.

“I will play as hard as I can and give my all until the day I walk out of here.”

Lodge was tight-lipped on his conversation with Walters. It is understood the Broncos coach told Lodge he has no personal problem with him, but needs to free-up salary-cap space as Walters tries to sign a senior playmaker such as Adam Reynolds or Shaun Johnson.

“I don’t know what’s going on,” he said of his future.

“I will keep our chat private, you can ask Kevvie what he said to me.

“He is obviously still thinking about things and obviously they want to sign a halfback and he has made that clear to me. Something has to give with the salary cap, but I’ll be giving 100 per cent as long as I am at this club.

“Four years ago, I had nothing and my career was up in the air. I don’t know what happens but as long as I keep playing well there is hope for me. I never not turn up. I always try and play hard for the Broncos jumper so as long as I’m here, I won’t be letting the club down.

Lodge insists there is no rift with Kevin Walters.

“I’m happy to put my body on the line and I care about the club so I’ll be trying my best for Kevvie. Hopefully I can stay here a while yet.”

Lodge battled two knee injuries last season but has been one of Brisbane’s better players this year, turning in strong performances against Penrith and the Titans in the past three weeks.

Broncos teammate Tevita Pangai Jnr urged the club to keep Lodge, who turns 26 later this month.

“Lodgey has put three or four good games together and we’ve seen what he can do in the middle,” he said. “With his charges in the middle, he inspires all of us. Hopefully he can stay but it’s up to him and the club.”