Anthony Milford cleared to return to NRL after completing education course

Anthony Milford is looking forward to linking with Kayln Ponga at Newcastle after being given the green light to return to the NRL — and his first match is set to be against his former club.

Anthony Milford faced Brisbane’s Magistrates Court in April. Picture: Brad Fleet

Anthony Milford is set for a blockbuster NRL return again his former club Brisbane after the NRL granted Milford the green light to resurrect his career with Newcastle.

NRL boss Andrew Abdo rang Milford on Saturday morning to tell the 27-year-old he was free to resume his career with the Knights from Monday.

But there is a catch. While he will be allowed to train with the club, the NRL has banned him from taking the field until round 11, which coincides with the Knights clash against the Broncos. The Broncos cut Milford adrift after seven seasons last year.

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Milford will have to complete multiple courses including personal development programs which focuses on anger management. The courses will take one month to complete.

The ex-Raider and Bronco will then need to meet with Abdo before he signs off on his official return to play.

Anthony Milford leaves Brisbane Magistrates Court on 11 April. Picture: Brad Fleet

“As a game we don’t tolerate any act involving violence against women and our record reflects that,” Abdo said. “Where our expectations are not met, we always take strong and appropriate action and that’s what has happened here.

“We were not satisfied that Anthony conducted himself to our standards and we have taken into account the incident itself, how long he has been out of the game and his commitment to the NRL’s rehabilitation measures in providing a pathway back to playing. That pathway will take effort and dedication and the player has assured us of his commitment to this.”

Milford pleaded guilty to one count of public nuisance and one count of wilful damage while three assault chargers were withdrawn.

In a statement the NRL said “the agreed facts state that Milford’s actions caused the woman to fall and hit her head on concrete” which was a “serious concern for the NRL”.

The Knights lodged a contract for Milford last Friday and have handed him a deal for the rest of the season. He is expected to reunite with Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins next season.

Milford is considering legal options after a deal with the Rabbitohs fell through.

“I am very comfortable with the way we have handled a complex matter,” Abdo said. “We have been transparent and professional with the player and all sides through the process. Anthony was facing very serious charges. First and foremost we weren’t in a position to consider his registration whilst he was facing those charges.

“With the matter being finalised by the court this week and having an application to consider, we’ve now completed that process.”

He will add some much needed depth to the Knights’ roster who did not replace Mitchell Pearce in the off-season. Jake Clifford is entrenched in the halves but Milford could be an alternative scrumbase partner and he provides cover for Kalyn Ponga at fullback.

Anthony Milford has been given the green light to return to the NRL. Picture: John Grainger

Milford’s manager Sam Ayoub said the former Queensland Origin is relishing the prospect of joining forces with Knights ace Kalyn Ponga free of the burden of his $1 million Broncos contract.

“Anthony is very relieved at the NRL’s decision,” he said. “It’s been a tough seven or eight months where he hasn’t earned a cent and the whole process has cost him a lot of money.

“But we’ve had constructive discussions with the NRL and Anthony can’t wait to get back playing again.

“Anthony has been training, he hasn’t let himself go, so the one positive out of the timeline is he will have the opportunity to train with his new Knights teammates and be somewhat match fit by the time he returns.

“Anthony has no bad blood towards the Broncos. He went through some tough times there, he was constantly scrutinised about his contract, but the Broncos as a club were very good to ‘Milf’ and he left on good terms.

“He has no issue with anyone at the club. He has some lifelong friends at the Broncos who still maintain contact with Milf.

“It will be good for Anthony to start afresh at Newcastle. It will be a less pressurised environment and he is looking forward to combining with Kalyn Ponga.”