Why NSW will target Queensland’s Anthony Milford in State of Origin

HERE are the glaring defensive deficiencies that will ensure Anthony Milford will be a marked man when he makes his State of Origin debut next week.

HE is the defensive speed bump who has let in a shocking 40 tries in the past two-and-half years.

And he will be the player bracing for a physical battering at the hands of NSW’s giant forward pack on Wednesday night.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the glaring defensive deficiencies of Queensland five-eighth Anthony Milford.

Milford’s place in the Maroons side was confirmed on Thursday when injured star Johnathan Thurston was officially ruled out.

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NSW will look to expose Milford’s weakness and inexperience. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

Since the start of 2015, Milford — who stands just 176cm — has missed 135 tackles.

And according to Fox Sports Stats, 40 of those have been deemed “try causes” — a missed tackle, a misread of play or poor kick defence which leads to a try.

It is the most of any half in the NRL other than Cronulla’s Chad Townsend (41).

Milford defends on the left side and can expect a torrid time from powerful Blues back-rower Josh Jackson, situated on the right edge.

LISTEN! Dean Ritchie and David Riccio wrap up day three of NSW Origin camp and discuss what Johnathan Thurston’s withdrawal means for the Maroons and the Blues.

Blues big boppers David Klemmer, Andrew Fifita and Aaron Woods will also send extra traffic Milford’s way in a bid to rattle the Queensland debutant.

Milford will be the smallest Queensland half since Allan Langer, who weighed just 68kg on debut in 1987.

There are even suggestions Queensland officials are so concerned about Milford’s defence they may start Michael Morgan in the halves.

Klemmer predicted Milford’s presence would create more work for the Maroons’ back-rowers charged with protecting the 22-year-old.

“Obviously it’s his first game so you probably test him but he will be well protected whatever side he plays, either Matt Gillett or big Josh Papalii,” Klemmer said.

“But it’s a big game and it’s his first game. I reckon they will be trying to protect him as much as they can.”

Former NSW forward David “Cement” Gillespie has warned Milford to encounter some rough treatment.

“They will run at Milford all night. He won’t know what hit him,” Gillespie said. “He will be one sore bloke by fulltime. “Welcome to State of Origin.”

David Klemmer thinks Queensland know Milford will be a target. Photo: Brett Costello

NSW players James Maloney and Blake Ferguson have also had some defensive issues but Milford’s defence will be the key to this game.

“He will have to put the boiler suit on and be ready to tackle. I reckon he will be expecting a bit of traffic to come at him — the big boppers,” former NSW hard man Steve Roach said.

“Milford is a good player, no doubt about it. But they will pick him out and try and go at him. He doesn’t have the biggest of bodies.”

Thurston was quick to offer praise for the nervous Milford, who will partner Cooper Cronk in the halves.

“He’s a dynamic young player and I’m sure he will grab the opportunity with both hands and put in a performance that all of Queensland will be proud of,” Thurston said.

Milford’s defence could be a glaring weak spot for Queensland. (Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“I’m devastated I won’t be playing next week, but the call needed to be made and it’s the right decision for the team.

Thurston, who has played 36 successive Origin matches, will remain camp in Queensland camp on the Gold Coast to mentor Milford.

“It shows a lot about Johnathan’s character, and what this team means to him, that he’s prepared to move on quickly and get behind Anthony, myself and the rest of the team during such a tough period,” Maroons coach Kevin Walters said.

Gold Coast’s Jarrod Wallace has been added to the Maroons squad as 18th man.