Three into one won't go

THE Brisbane Broncos are set to field three of the NRL's best fullbacks next year, creating a selection headache coaches could only dream about.

Ben Barba Josh Hoffman Anthony Milford

THE Brisbane Broncos are set to field three of the NRL's best fullbacks next year, creating a selection headache coaches could only dream about.

From scratching their heads at how to inject life into a spluttering attack this season, the Broncos are preparing for an array of riches.

The unique situation would force Canberra prodigy Anthony Milford to revert to five-eighth, flying in the face of advice from the mentor who developed him.

It is understood Canterbury custodian Ben Barba's wish to move to Queensland with his family is likely to be granted, although a decision either way will only be made in November.

Exciting teen Milford is a near certainty to move to Red Hill in 2014, after his manager formally requested a release from the final year of his contract.

The duo would join the club's current custodian Josh Hoffman, who has been sensational for the Broncos in the past fortnight.

That means two star players will miss out on their favoured position.

The coach who developed Milford, Raiders scout Brian Edwards, is adamant he is best suited to fullback, but it is understood the Broncos view him as a five-eighth.

That is why Peter Wallace and Scott Prince are free to look for another club next season.

Edwards, who spotted Milford in primary school and developed him for the following five years, warned against expecting him to be a star half immediately.

"He's not a quick fix for the Broncos," Edwards said.

"He's a fullback now and playing that role will help his development.

"In future he could play in the halves but he's only 19 and he will have up and downs.

"Fullback is where he should be right now.

"This is just a sad situation. We have had him since he was under-13 and everything he's achieving in the game is what we always expected from him.

"I was worried about him against Melbourne (concentration-wise in a game the Raiders lost 68-4)), but the Storm didn't even need to target him to get points."

The Broncos have had success turning fullbacks to five-eighths in the past, with Darren Lockyer winning a premiership in the No.6 jersey after being anointed the code's best custodian.

The Raiders yesterday reiterated their intent to fight for Milford.

Raiders chief executive Don Furner said his club was confident of keeping Milford long term but would not negotiate with him until the post-season.

Reports of Barba's imminent signing with the Broncos have gathered momentum in the past two days, however his manager Gavin Orr told The Courier-Mail any decision was months away.

"He's injured at the moment so getting back on to the field is Ben's priority," Orr said.

"We are taking it one thing at a time and getting back on the field is first."