Transfer news: NRL refuses to register Anthony Milford’s South Sydney Rabbitohs contract

Former Bronco Anthony Milford’s NRL lifeline is hanging by a thread - and that’s just fine with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

South Sydney’s preparations for life after Adam Reynolds have hit an indefinite hurdle after the NRL refused to register the contract of Anthony Milford over assault charges involving two women.

Milford was due to begin pre-season training with the Rabbitohs this week but will be sidelined indefinitely while his case works its way through the court system.

The charges relate to an incident in late-September, when Milford was coming to the end of his $1 million a year contract with the Brisbane Broncos and resulted in the former Queensland star facing three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm.

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“The National Rugby League has advised player Anthony Milford and the South Sydney Rabbitohs that it will not consider registering a contract for the player until criminal proceedings against Milford have been completed,” the NRL said in a statement.

“Given the severity of the allegations, particularly that two charges allege violence against women, the NRL will not consider an application for registration until the court process is complete.”

Anthony Milford was due to start training with the Rabbitohs. Picture: Richard Walker

Milford was arrested after allegedly becoming embroiled in a dispute with a man and two women who intervened in an argument between the ex-Bronco and his wife Miri. He is also alleged to have thrown a bin at a car, leading to a charge of wilful damage.

However, the allegations involving violence against women are by far the most serious given the stance the game has taken on such matters in recent years.

South Sydney released a statement of their own in support of the NRL’s stance.

“The South Sydney Rabbitohs respect and support the NRL’s decision to not register a contract for Anthony Milford at this stage,” the Rabbitohs said in a statement.

“The Rabbitohs will await the outcome of the legal proceedings and the NRL’s final determination before commenting further.”

The Rabbitohs announced Milford’s signing in July and submitted his contract to the NRL not long after. However, the contract was sent back to the club because it contained an error, a development that had huge ramifications for both Milford and the Rabbitohs.

Anthony Milford’s bid to become Souths’ new halfback has hit a snag. Picture: Alix Sweeney

The contract was never returned to the NRL for registration, meaning Milford’s deal with the Rabbitohs was never ratified by head office. As a result, Souths are under no duty to pay Milford while he remains sidelined and his registration is refused.

Had the contract been registered, Milford would have been stood down under the no-fault stand-down rule. That would have left Milford free to train and draw a wage from the Rabbitohs.

While the news is a personal blow to Milford and his hopes of turning around his fading career, it is also a setback for Souths and coach Jason Demetriou.

The Rabbitohs have cover in the half positions in the shape of impressive youngsters Lachlan Ilias, Blake Taaffe and Dean Hawkins. However, Milford had been earmarked to provide experience and nous alongside Cody Walker as the club attempted to fill the sizable void created when Reynolds opted to join the Broncos.

Souths coach Jason Demetriou could be without Anthony Milford to start next season. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Ilias will now be favoured to win the No.7 jersey when the season starts, having made his first grade debut in the latter stages of the recently-completed season.

Meanwhile, Milford’s future not only at Souths, but in the game is now in doubt. Demetriou had spoken optimistically about his hopes for Milford when he signed him in July, having worked with the 27-year-old Samoan international at the Broncos.

Milford is now scrambling to save his career in rugby league given the seriousness of the charges that have been levelled against him.

SHARKS LOCK DOWN STAR HOOKER

Blayke Brailey has become the latest hooker to be taken off the open market after agreeing terms on a four-year-deal with the Cronulla Sharks.

The Sharks initially tabled a three-year contract to Brailey but it is understood the 23-year-old will ink fresh terms that will tie him to the club until the end of 2026.

Brailey played 24 games for the Sharks last season and was identified as a key retention by coach Craig Fitzgibbon when he took the reins.

His decision to stay means he will be out of the reach for a handful of clubs who are pursuing a hooker for 2023, among them the Dolphins and Parramatta.

The new deal is believed to be worth upwards of $2.1 million. Crucially, Brailey will have support in the hooking role this season following the club’s decision to sign Cameron McInnes from St George Illawarra.

McInnes has been signed to play lock but is also a high-class hooker. Fitzgibbon has made some key additions since being appointed to take over the Sharks, the most notable being Melbourne pair Dale Finucane and Nicho Hynes.

Brailey’s retention was also vital given the dearth of hookers on the market. The clamour to sign a quality No. 9 has led to Reed Mahoney and Brandon Smith attracting big offers from rivals before signing with Canterbury and the Sydney Roosters.

Brailey could have cashed in by going on the open market but it is understood he was committed to finding a deal with the Sharks and his manager David Riolo opened against opening talks with rival clubs until he had exhausted all avenues at Cronulla.