NRL 2021: Anthony Milford set to undergo surgery in latest blow to his Broncos future

Dropped one week, recalled the next and now an injury blow. It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Anthony Milford and the latest news won’t help his bid to remain a Bronco.

Anthony Milford, Brisbane Broncos training, Red Hills. Photographer: Liam Kidston

Anthony Milford’s career at the Broncos is all-but over with the embattled five-eighth to undergo surgery in the latest setback for his future at Brisbane.

Milford will have knee surgery on Tuesday to repair a damaged meniscus and he is expected to miss four to five weeks in a blow that could represent the death-knell for his hopes of winning another Broncos contract.

The $1 million playmaker has yet to be offered a new deal by the Broncos and being sidelined for at least the next month will not help his chances of salvaging his career at Red Hill.

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Anthony Milford is back and determined to stay this time.

Milford’s manager Sam Ayoub confirmed the misfiring pivot will go under the knife this week.

“Anthony will have surgery,” he said.

“He has been playing with fragments in his knee for the last month or so and that hasn’t helped his form.

“Thankfully his season isn’t over and he can hopefully come back and do his best to get a new deal at the Broncos or another club.”

News Corp understands the Broncos will not table another contract for Milford, who may not return until round 18, which would give him just six more rounds to press his claims for a new deal at a rival club.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters plans to unleash a new scrumbase alliance next season with Kotoni Staggs slated to take over from Milford as first-choice five-eighth to partner Souths halfback recruit Adam Reynolds.

Milford has been linked with a move to the Titans but the former Queensland Origin utility has also fielded expressions of interest from two Sydney-based NRL rivals.

Anthony Milford is determined not to join Tom Dearden at the Broncos exits.

Milford’s management has had some informal dialogue with the Gold Coast, but it is believed the Titans can only afford to pay Milford around $400,000 under their salary cap for next season.

A veteran of 189 NRL games, Milford remains hopeful there is room in the salary cap for him to stay at Brisbane on a reduced deal and says he isn’t worried about plans for the Broncos to unleash a Staggs-Reynolds scrumbase pairing next season.

“It hasn’t bothered me at all,” he said a fortnight ago of Staggs’ planned move from centre to Milford’s five-eighth spot.

“I am not worrying about Kotoni or anyone else. The club has an obligation to sign some players and it doesn’t faze me if Kotoni could be the five-eighth.

“Competition is always healthy so I’m not worried about that.”

Milford has been dropped by Walters three times this season and admits he must take responsibility for his form slump at the Broncos.

“I have to play well to get a new contract,” he said.

Kotoni Staggs is the No.6 favourite for 2022.

“I definitely haven’t given up on myself. I’ve taken it (being dropped) on the chin, I still enjoy myself at training and I will do my best to fight back.

“I am realistic about the situation. I’ve had a few discussions with my manager about my future but nothing is set in stone.

“It’s my ideal plan to stay at the Broncos, but if it doesn’t happen I have two kids and a family to look after and I have to do what’s best for them.

“If that means leaving the Broncos, so be it, but everything is in my control.

“My destiny is in my hands. Hopefully over the next few months my future will take care of itself.”