Sport Confidential: Adam Reynolds’ missing mail, Anthony Milford’s bid to save career
A giant fan mail letterbox has been placed in the foyer of the Broncos’ headquarters at Red Hill - but one player’s slot is conspicuously empty.
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The Broncos have gone to great lengths to ensure fans can inspire their players ahead of next week’s blockbuster preliminary final.
A giant fan mail letterbox has been placed in the foyer of the Broncos’ headquarters at Red Hill.
Fans can leave letters of inspiration for Broncos players and coach Kevin Walters.
As you would expect, Reece Walsh and Pat Carrigan’s slots were jam-packed with mail when we had a quick squiz on Wednesday morning.
However captain Adam Reynolds’ slot was empty.
Either ‘Reyno’ needs some more love from Broncos’ faithful or he is one step ahead of his teammates and had already collected his mail.
FORMER $1M BRONCO IN FIGHT TO SAVE NRL CAREER
He became the Broncos’ first $1 million player in 2017 and an NRL superstar.
Now, just six years later, Anthony Milford is fighting to save his NRL career at the Dolphins.
Milford has interest from Super League clubs and Wayne Bennett won’t stand in the playmaker’s way if he wants to embark on a career swan song in England.
Still only 29, Milford joined the Dolphins as their most experienced playmaker this season and the former Broncos grand-final pivot was expected to play a key role in their debut campaign.
But the ex-Queensland Origin utility lost out to rookie Isaiya Katoa for the No.6 jumper for round one and suffered an injury and suspension riddled season that restricted him to just 11 appearances.
Milford is contracted to the Dolphins for another 12 months, but unless he produces a massive form burst in 2024, it will be his last season at Redcliffe and possibly in the NRL.
The 217-game veteran is miles away from the Broncos attacking sensation who went within a whisker of winning the Clive Churchill Medal in the 2015 grand final.
It has been a steady career decline for Milford since his 2015-16 heroics when he was at the peak of his powers.
He crumbled under the pressure of his $4 million Broncos contract and was never quite the same player.
Now he is fighting to prolong his NRL career before the age of 30.
BENNETT, THE BILLIONAIRE BRONCOS FAN AND A $1M TAX AUDIT
Explosive details have emerged of Wayne Bennett being offered a secret share in a Brisbane pub and receiving a $1 million gift from a mining magnate, sparking an Australian Taxation Office investigation.
Bennett makes a number of extraordinary revelations in a new book written by leading Sydney sports journalist Andrew Webster, The Wolf You Feed, which documents the life and times of the NRL super coach.
Among the most compelling is his relationship with Brisbane billionaire Ken Talbot, who tragically died in a plane crash, aged 59, in 2010.
His shock death came after Talbot, an avid Broncos fan who called Bennett “God”, made a series of financial proposals, starting in 2005, to the super coach that later triggered a tax audit.
When Talbot learned Bennett had two heavily disabled children, Justin and Katherine, he explored ways to financially assist the then Broncos coach.
His first idea: offering Bennett a half-share in a pub he owned, Brisbane’s Newmarket Hotel.
Talbot told Bennett he could pocket all profits. The Broncos coach asked if the profits would come from poker machines.
“Oh shit yeah,” Talbot said. “You should see the money we make out of them.”
Bennett replied: “I couldn’t take it if it’s coming from poker machines. I’ve seen too much suffering in the community.
“And I’m not that big on money generated by alcohol, either.”
Talbot wouldn’t take no for an answer.
“OK, I’ll go to Plan B,” he told Bennett. “I’ve found out who your accountant is.
“This is what’s happening: I’m going to put $100,000 into a trust fund every year for the next 10 years.”
Bennett accepted the offer.
“Ken, if you want to set my kids up for the rest of their life, I can’t stop you,” he said.
He privately revealed Talbot’s secret payment plan to then Broncos CEO Bruno Cullen, who threatened to “tell the world” if it involved a Brisbane salary cap rort.
“No, it’s not (a cap rort),” Bennett told Cullen.
“Ken, as you know, is a very generous man. He always wanted to make sure that Katherine and Justin were looked after.”
When the Queensland Misconduct and Crime Commission slapped Talbot with 35 charges in relation to secret payments he had made to several friends, the ATO zoomed in on Bennett.
Forensic accountants had found Talbot’s financial transactions with Bennett, who co-operated with the ATO and was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.
“They found nothing,” Bennett says in the book.
Upon Talbot’s death in 2010, the executor of the mining tycoon’s will contacted his wife Amanda.
Talbot’s estate was worth $1.1 billion. There was no requirement to continue paying Bennett’s trust fund $100,000, which had another five years to run, because there was no legally binding agreement between Talbot and the coach.
“Ken wanted this,” Talbot’s wife said. “It (the payments for Bennett’s kids) must be honoured.
“We were appalled that we were asked.”
BRONCOS GROOM NEXT REYNO
The Broncos have wasted no time in beginning to groom the heir apparent for veteran skipper Adam Reynolds.
Boom schoolboys halfback Coby Black has been spotted training with Brisbane’s NRL team in recent weeks as he begins his pathway towards first grade.
Black was a standout for Marsden State High in this year’s schoolboys competition and is Brisbane’s great halfback hope.
While he is yet to graduate school, Black has been given permission to train one day a week for the past few weeks alongside Brisbane’s top squad.
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Flexibility in his school commitments has allowed Black to get to know his future Broncos teammates before he joins the club full-time next year.
The Broncos have a high opinion of Black and are hoping he can play a role at the scrumbase long-term.
He will spend the pre-season training before graduating through the lower grades with a view to making his NRL debut in the coming years.
REGGIES STARS SQUARE OFF
Tristan Sailor and Trai Fuller are the reserve fullbacks for the Broncos and Dolphins.
Now the dynamic duo are set to go head-to-head for the Hostplus Cup’s top individual honour.
Sailor and Fuller are two of the leading candidates for the Petero Civoniceva Medal, which will be presented at Friday’s Queensland Rugby League awards ceremony in Brisbane.
Sailor had a sensational season with Souths-Logan and made four NRL appearances for the Broncos while Fuller was a consistent performer for Redcliffe and made his NRL debut for the Dolphins late in the year, scoring a cracking try against the Wests Tigers.
Burleigh halfback Guy Hamilton is another contender for the player of the year award as he prepares to lead the Bears into Sunday’s grand final against the Brisbane Tigers.
The QRL function will also include the State of Origin awards after the Maroons’ 2-1 series victory this year.
Cowboys workhorse Reuben Cotter claimed the Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series while prop Lindsay Collins and fullback Reece Walsh also had cracking series.
One would think they are the leading candidates for the Ron McAuliffe Medal.
SPOTTED
Former Broncos CEO Paul White and wife Angela in chairman Karl Morris’ corporate box at Suncorp Stadium to watch Brisbane smash Melbourne last Friday.
DOLPHINS-BRONCOS SUNCORP STOUSH
Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins will add an extra game at Suncorp Stadium next year off the back of their bumper crowds this season at the home of Queensland rugby league.
Many doubted the Dolphins would be able to pull big numbers in their first year at the home stadium they share with the Broncos.
But the Dolphins averaged 32,500 in their seven games at the venue, including pulling the highest crowd across the entire NRL season for the first Battle of Brisbane with the Broncos in March.
In 2024, they have added an extra match to play eight home games at Suncorp Stadium.
In a thank you to inaugural year members who had season tickets at the stadium, there will be no increase on the 2023 membership price and the eighth game will be complimentary for those who renew before November 30.
All other 2023 members will have the opportunity to upgrade to an eight or 11-game membership prior to Nov 30 to receive the same benefit.
The Dolphins will also play three home games at Kayo Stadium next year, with one other venue to host their final match.
BEARS THANK TITANS
Burleigh coach Luke Burt has thanked the Gold Coast Titans for helping the Bears reach the Hostplus Cup grand final.
The Bears will start heavy favourites to win Sunday’s premiership decider at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium against the Brisbane Tigers.
While the club is a powerhouse of the competition, a handful of fringe Titans players have boosted the Bears this season.
Fullback Keano Kini has dominated the competition while Ken Maumalo, Tony Francis and Jacob Alick have been regulars at Pizzey Park.
But if the Titans followed the lead of the Broncos, the Bears’ premiership quest could have been crushed.
When the Norths Devils, a feeder club for Brisbane, signed a deal with the Dolphins in June, the Broncos immediately pulled their fringe players out of the club.
The Titans could have done the same after the Bears committed to the Broncos from next year, however the Gold Coast club opted against pulling their players.
“It’s huge having the Titans do that for us,” Burt said.
“We’re very grateful for that. They are a huge part of our side.
“As most sides in the top eight, they have those affiliates that assist and are super important.”
While the Broncos lost Norths to the Dolphins, they will start a relationship with minor premiers Burleigh from next season.
“We’re definitely looking forward to that relationship,” Burt said.
“They’re a great club with a great history.
“At the moment we’ve got to concentrate on what we’ve got at the moment and finish the year strong.”
HANNANT’S TSZYU WARNING
Queensland Origin legend Ben Hannant believes he has the power to hurt Tim Tszyu.
Call it delusional, but Hannant says Australia’s world champion Tszyu wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of one of his punches as he prepares for his boxing comeback on Saturday, October 7 in Townsville.
Hannant will take on Parramatta prop Junior Paulo in a heavyweight blockbuster and the ‘Polar Bear’ warned he has the engine and hunger to pull off a huge upset.
“Obviously I’m not a professional boxer, I’m not spending time in the gym every day,” he said.
“My job is using the skills I have, technique-wise will I never be like Tim Tszyu, definitely not, but I am going to be throwing some big heavy punches.
“I’m sure Tim Tszyu wouldn’t want to be on the end of them as well.
“Tim is a great boxer, but C’mon … I am going to put on a show that’s for sure.”
Paulo will start heavy favourite on the star-studded card, which will also feature NRL stars Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jarrod Wallace and Jason Taumalolo, but Hannant is primed to steal the show.
“I deserve to be in the ring with anyone and I will take on anyone,” he said.
“Junior is the ultimate professional. He is one of the greatest props in the NRL today. He is big and powerful, but does he have the engine, will the fight go the full distance?
“Junior can throw them. He is the favourite to win, let’s see if he can do it.
“The big thing is I don’t quit. When I step into that ring, I believe I can beat you and every time I have fought, I have proven people wrong.
“I want Junior to be 100 per cent and try and knock me out, let’s see if he can go the distance with me.”
THE KING’S SEAL OF SUPPORT
Wally Lewis may be having his own health battles but it hasn’t stopped ‘The King’ trying to help another former Queensland Origin star.
Former Broncos and Maroons enforcer Josh McGuire opened up to News Corp last week about his young daughter’s battle with severe hearing loss.
The story struck a chord with Lewis. His daughter Jamie-Lee was discovered to be profoundly deaf on the day of the final game of the 1991 State of Origin series, prompting Lewis to immediately retire from the Maroons.
Lewis has been in touch with McGuire offering advice and support in a sign of the strength of the Queensland Origin family.
STORM ALERT FOR YOUNG GUN
Melbourne will move to extend the contract of young gun Sua Fa’alogo in the wake of his stunning NRL debut a fortnight ago.
At a time when superstar fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has been rocked by another major leg injury, the Storm are moving quickly to ensure the 20-year-old is at Melbourne for the long haul.
Fa’alogo made a sizzling two-try debut against the Broncos in round 27, finishing off a 70-metre movement in the first half before scoring the matchwinner in the dying minutes.
The Storm have an option on Fa’alogo for 2025 and will begin negotiations to secure the flying fullback for a longer period at season’s end.
“I’ve got one more year and I would love to stay at the Storm,” Fa’alogo said.
“They are the best club with the best culture.”
JUSTIS IS SERVED
Justis Huni says he no longer feels the pressure to knock out opponents as Australia’s No.1 heavyweight prepares for his much-anticipated comeback to the ring.
The 24-year-old will continue his march towards his dream of winning a world title when Huni (7-0, 4KO) takes on American Andrew Tabiti (20-1, 16KO) in Mexico on October 28.
It will be Huni’s debut fight overseas and his first bout in almost a year since beating tough-as-nails Kiwi Kiki Toa Leutele in Brisbane last November.
Huni was due to face Tabiti in June, only to hurt his ankle in his final sparring session, forcing the bout to be postponed for four months.
Huni changed his style against Leutele, attempting to brawl in a bid to knockout his rival, but after almost being dropped himself in the second round, the Brisbane-born ‘JPH’ is going back to his slick-and-quick style.
Huni has been criticised for lacking a massive knockout punch, but no heavyweight in the world has his movement and fast hands.
“My foot is good. I’m back better and stronger than ever,” he said.
“People can say what they want but I’m not worried about knocking blokes out.
“(Oleksandr) Usyk is the heavyweight champion and he isn’t a massive puncher, he relies on his skill and boxing ability and that’s what I’m going to do.
“I’ve added a few things to my craft and I’m keen to get back under the bright lights.”
PUNTERS KEEN ON BRISBANE BONANZA
The argument over which code is king in Queensland has been put on hold by Brisbane punters it seems, with TAB reporting a surge in outlays for the Brisbane-Brisbane option in their NRL/AFL premiership double market.
With the Broncos and Lions now a win away from their respective grand finals, the possibility of both major footy code trophies coming to Queensland has become the second most popular pick behind Penrith-Collingwood taking the glory.
“The Panthers-Magpies double has understandably been favourite for a while but a Brisbane-Brisbane double has a bit of a vibe to it at the moment and the market is reflecting that too,” said TAB’s Rohan Welsh.
“It’s only the fourth favoured option with TAB at $8.75 but is now the second best backed.
“Can you imagine the scenes in Brisbane if they both come home with the big prize?”
The Broncos are $2.60 second favourites to claim their first NRL premiership since 2006 while the Lions are $3.30 for the AFL flag.
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