NRL 2020: Broncos sweat on Anthony Milford fitness as Tom Dearden underlines vast potential

After looking dangerous against the Dragons, Anthony Milford hobbled off 25 minutes from the end. It was then his scrumbase partner Tom Dearden showed maturity beyond his years to take charge of Brisbane’s attack.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 21: Tom Dearden of the Broncos celebrates with teammates after scoring a try during the round 15 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium on August 21, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

Broncos caretaker coach Peter Gentle is hopeful Anthony Milford will be fit for Friday night’s clash against the Roosters after the star pivot broke down in the defeat to the Dragons.

Making a surprise return to the side after a three-week layoff with a hamstring injury, Milford failed to finish with Gentle calling the five-eighth to the sidelines 26 minutes from full-time as a precautionary move.

Despite wearing a compression brace around his hamstring, Milford moved well and looked dangerous in the first half, but Gentle summoned him off in the hope of ensuring he is fit for the Roosters clash at the SCG.

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Anthony Milford is under an injury cloud.

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“He had an ice pack on (after the game) but we didn’t want to risk it or it could have ended his season,” Gentle said of Milford’s latest aggravation.

“He wanted to stay on but that’s ‘Milf’ for you, there is still a lot to play for. It’s a bit early to say but hopefully he should be OK for next week.”

When Milford hobbled off, his scrumbase partner Tom Dearden showed maturity beyond his years to take charge of Brisbane’s attack.

The 19-year-old kept the Broncos alive with a late try to whittle the deficit to 26-24 and Gentle lauded his composure after just 12 first-grade games.

“I see what everyone is seeing, Tom is a shining light for us,” he said.

“He works very hard for us, he understands the game, you don’t have to draw him pictures.

Tom Dearden got the Broncos right back in the game.

“He’s only a kid, (19) years of age, but I definitely think he gets it, he has a voice in this team now and he is starting to get them around the park.

“He wants the ball in his hands, from a coach’s point of view that’s what you want, especially when we lost Anthony, Tom had to step up and he did.”

While the injury-ravaged Broncos were far more spirited, Gentle lamented Brisbane’s inability to land the killer punch in the clutch moments.

It was a heartbreaking build-up for the Broncos, with Brisbane players wearing black armbands as a tribute to the tragic death of prop Payne Haas’ brother Chace.

“It was very emotional around Payne’s brother,” Gentle said.

“The guys all wore black armbands so a part of Payne was out there with them.

“We spoke about trying to win it in the last 10 minutes, then we were 12-0 down after five minutes.

“They showed a lot of commitment to fight back and show the fans and members we still have something to play for.

Dearden caps off a great game with a late try.

“I was proud of the effort, but it’s about winning and we didn’t get the result.

“We have lost another one, but if we keep turning up with that attitude we will get a win soon.”

Originally published as NRL 2020: Broncos sweat on Anthony Milford fitness as Tom Dearden underlines vast potential