NRL 2022: Anthony Milford steps out in Newcastle Knights colours for first time

Anthony Milford is determined to recapture his best form alongside Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga after being thrown an NRL lifeline by the club.

Anthony Milford’s manager says the controversial former Queensland Origin star is determined to recapture his peak form in the wake of his NRL lifeline from the Knights.

On the day Kalyn Ponga signed a mega upgrade with Newcastle, News Corp captured a photo of Milford arriving in the Steel City and donning Knights colours as he prepares to begin training with his new Knights teammates.

The 27-year-old has been in NRL exile for the past six months after an off-field incident in Brisbane last year, but after having assault charges dropped last week, Milford has hope of a rugby league revival in Newcastle.

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The former Broncos $1 million playmaker is on track to make his Newcastle debut against his former club in round 11, pending him completing education courses and meeting with NRL CEO Andrew Ando for formal registration.

After going close to winning the Clive Churchill Medal in the 2015 grand final, Milford has lost his way in recent years, but his manager Sam Ayoub insists the playmaker is not a spent force in the NRL.

Anthony Milford will resume his NRL career at the Knights.

“Anthony can’t wait to play the game again,” Ayoub said.

“He is determined to show people he has not lost his ability or desire to compete in the NRL and he is very grateful to the Knights for giving him a chance.

“Anthony has been training during his time away. He hasn’t let himself go, so the one positive out of the timeline is he will have the opportunity to train with his new Knights teammates and be somewhat match-fit by the time he returns.”

Milford has been training with Brisbane’s feeder club Souths Logan in recent weeks and at one point, the Magpies considered lodging an application for ‘Milf’ to play Queensland Cup.

But the veteran of 193 NRL games always had his heart set on proving himself in the big league after the Broncos refused to table a new deal for Milford.

“Anthony has no bad blood towards the Broncos,” Ayoub said.

“He went through some tough times there, he was constantly scrutinised about his contract, but the Broncos as a club were very good to ‘Milf’ and he left on good terms. He has no issue with anyone at the club. He has some lifelong friends at the Broncos who still maintain contact with Milf.

Anthony Milford has kept training during his time on the sidelines. Picture: John Grainger

“It will be good for Anthony to start afresh at Newcastle. It will be a less pressurised environment and he is looking forward to combining with Kalyn Ponga.”

Milford is tipped to join Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins in 2023 and his former Broncos teammate Corey Parker believes he could flourish at the NRL’s 17th team.

“I believe the Dolphins should give a second chance to Anthony Milford,” Parker said.

“I played with Milf and I know what he is capable of. I think he needed a change from the Broncos and a move to the Dolphins would be a breath of fresh air for Milf.

“You don’t just forget how to play, Milf’s talent is not the question and if he goes there on a smaller deal, the pressure will come off him and he can just enjoy his football.

“A Cameron Munster-Milford halves pairing would work. Munster has the ability to organise the team and that would give Milford the freedom to play his natural style.

“If you paid a combined $1.4 million for Munster and Milford, that’s $700,000 per playmaker, so that’s a reasonable investment.”