Kevin Walters’ unintended, brutal slap for unwanted Broncos stars

Kevin Walters has kicked Anthony Milford on his way out the door, unwittingly revealing the depth of the Broncos’ disappointment.

Anthony Milford is getting kicked on his way out.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters has unintentionally given playmaker Anthony Milford a kick up the backside on his way out the door in Brisbane.

On the day the Broncos confirmed the signature of Rabbitohs star Adam Reynolds on a three-year contract, Walters unwittingly revealed the depth of the club’s disappointment in Milford after he was signed on a reported $1 million per-year contract, which expires at the end of 2021.

Reynolds’ signature is a big win for the Broncos after the former NSW State of Origin star reportedly received a richer offer from Cronulla and was also sentimental about staying with South Sydney.

It leaves no space for Milford at the club with the Broncos reported to have made a decision not to offer the star playmaker a contract extension.

While Milford appears to be unwanted at the Broncos he is suddenly the hottest prospect in the NRL, with the Sharks and Titans reportedly both pursuing his signature.

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Anthony Milford is yet to sign a contract for the 2022 season.

Milford appeared to be an astute pick up for the Broncos in 2014 and was a big part of the club making the grand final in 2015.

Milford played well enough to earn a four-year $1 million per-season contract extension from the end of the 2017 season.

Now Walters has revealed the level of esteem Milford is held in by the club when he referred to Reynolds as the Broncos playmaker with the most “class” since Ben Hunt left the club at the end of 2017.

“The club hasn’t had a playmaker of his class and ability for some time since Ben Hunt left here (to join the Dragons),” Walters said of Reynolds Thursday.

“Adam is a premiership winner. He brings a lot of experience and a lot of composure in big situations.

“His goalkicking, his general kicking, his passing game, he is a great halfback so he will do well, but that’s for next year, we have a lot to get through this season before he arrives.”

Walters’ declaration about Reynolds is also a punch in the guts for high-profile Broncos signings Jack Bird and Brodie Croft.

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Adam Reynolds, saviour of Brisbane.

The club has also had Benji Marshall on its books since Hunt’s departure and Tom Dearden was also backed to be the club’s future long-term halfback before the club reportedly let him walk to the Cowboys.

The Courier-Mail reported the Broncos have had 18 different halves combinations since Hunt’s departure.

Reynold’s signature shows he is the key piece of the Broncos’ future, with the club gambling on a halves partnership of Reynolds and Kotoni Staggs, who has not played five-eighth at NRL level.

The Broncos last month were also reported to have offered Reynolds the captaincy.

Milford’s form fell off a cliff earlier this year and he was even dropped to reserve grade.

Despite this, the Sharks are circling his signature and the Titans are already in negotiations with Milford as a potential replacement for Ash Taylor, who is also out of contract this year.