Anthony Milford’s chance to stake Maroons claim against rival Daly Cherry-Evans

WITH Johnathan Thurston racing the clock to be fit for Origin I, two contenders to replace him will square off in Brisbane this weekend.

Anthony Milford is a contender to make his State of Origin debut for Queensland. Picture: Peter Wallis

BRONCOS rake Andrew McCullough has endorsed teammate Anthony Milford to make his Origin debut, as the playmaker prepares to face main Maroons rival Daly Cherry-Evans.

With incumbent Queensland half Johnathan Thurston racing the clock to be fit for Game One, Maroons coach Kevin Walters has named Milford and Cherry-Evans as two contenders to come into the side.

And their audition will come sooner rather than later as the pair prepare to face off in the second game of Saturday’s Suncorp Stadium double header.

McCullough has backed Milford to handle the occasion well against Cherry-Evans and said the 22-year-old was ready to make his Origin debut if needed.

“He’s been around a while now, he’s played in some big games and he’s a quality player,” McCullough said.

Anthony Milford is a contender to make his State of Origin debut for Queensland. Picture: Peter Wallis

“Anthony has a few things in his game that he knows he needs to work on to be up there in State of Origin calculations. If he gets that right, the rest will take care of itself.

“He’s obviously a tremendous player.

“Anthony needs to perform every week, not just against Daly this weekend. For the next month or so, good form against quality halves each week is what he needs to do.”

Cherry-Evans has a slight edge over Milford at this stage for a Maroons call-up, given the Sea Eagles skipper has starred for Queensland on six occasions in the past.

However, Walters said the Maroons also had to start looking to the future and he was excited to see what the pair produced come Saturday.

Manly's Daly Cherry-Evans is a contender for. Picture Kym Smith

Corey Norman is also in the mix for a debut while Michael Morgan is a possibility to start, instead of playing off the bench.

“It’s a good opportunity for them to show their wares and what they can do,” Walters said.

“The next two weeks are really important for those guys to put their hand up and show everyone their class and ability at the next level.

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“We’ve got Johnathan moving on regardless next year so it would be nice in the ideal world to blood some newer players this year.

“But the most important thing is right now and picking the most capable player we feel can get the job done for us in Game One.”

Originally published as Anthony Milford’s chance to stake Maroons claim against rival Daly Cherry-Evans