NRL news 2023: Stay up to date with everything at the Dolphins ahead of the clash with St George

It was the demotion that shocked the NRL. But how did Anthony Milford react when he was told he would be suiting up for the Central Queensland Capras? He speaks for the first time.

Anthony Milford says he is ready to revive his turbulent career. Picture: Getty Images

Dolphins enigma Anthony Milford bears no grudge at his shock early season snubbing and has declared himself ready to revive his turbulent career.

Milford will be chosen at five-eighth in the Dolphins side for Saturday’s match against the Dragons with boom youngster Isaiya Katoa taking over from injured Sean O’Sullivan.

O’Sullivan could be sidelined for three or four months with a pectoral injury so Milford, a late inclusion against the Broncos on Friday after being told “bring your boots’’ on match morning, could be given an extended run.

Milford was expected to start the season but coach Wayne Bennett sent him to play for the Central Queensland Capras in the Hostplus Cup amid claims he needed to work harder on his fitness.

“I would not say it (the snubbing) was tough,’’ Milford told News Corp of his banishment which saw him miss the club’s historic first three wins.

“There is a lot of competition at the Dolphins and that is a good thing.

“I have faith in what Wayne is doing at the club. He has done a really good job in the pre-season getting people right. I have to do my bit and it is up to me to let my performances do the talking.’’

Anthony Milford says he is ready to revive his turbulent career. Picture: Getty Images

Milford accepts he will be a marked man but he has prepared for the challenge.

“I have worked hard on my defence. Three-in (third man in from the edge) defenders are being targeted more than ever so I have to work on that. I pride myself on getting my processes right and that is something I have to do.’’

In his 11th first grade season at age 28, Milford remains something of a mysterious force. While his fitness has been an issue this season it’s not as if he was among the Broncos fittest players when his career peaked in 2015.

His body language sometimes looks as if he has a lot on his mind so the question lingers … is he ready for this challenge?

“Yes. I would not be playing NRL if I did not think I was ready. Look, I am really confident in what is happening at the club and I know the job I have to play. It is nothing different. Just have to get two things right – my defence and my running game.

“If I can do that I am a fair chance of having a really good game.’’

Anthony Milford knows he will be a marked man. Picture: NRL Photos

Bennett confirmed Milford would be given his chance on the back of a promising comeback against the Broncos when struck gold with a kick that produced a try before Kotoni Staggs swept on another one to seal the match with a length of the field try for the Broncos.

“There is an opportunity there now for Anthony,’’ Bennett said.

“He did enough to make me happy enough to keep him there. Isaiya will come into halfback, we actually made him into a five-eighth but he is a natural halfback, so those guys can replace Sean.

“Isaiya was pretty close to playing so he should be right for next week. Isaiya will have to stand up now and do the job for us. He is young but he is very confident in himself, I think he will handle it.

“Anthony is very experienced, so it’s not all doom and gloom. I wasn’t disappointed with Milf, I couldn’t be disappointed with anyone and what they gave.’’

Originally published as NRL news 2023: Stay up to date with everything at the Dolphins ahead of the clash with St George