By Nick Wright
For all the talk that Anthony Milford’s best days in the NRL are behind, Dolphins teammate Kodi Nikorima has slammed such suggestions, declaring the former Queensland star’s “best days are still ahead of him”.
The Brisbane Broncos former million-dollar man has been criticised in recent seasons for his fall from grace, having gone from within a Johnathan Thurston field-goal of a Clive Churchill Medal and Maroons caps to on the cusp of the rugby league scrapheap.
Anthony Milford comes off contract at the end of 2024, and will be fighting for his future.Credit: Getty
There were reports suggesting the 29-year-old five-eighth could be moved on from the club prior to his 2024 deal expiring, with the Super League flouted as an option.
But a rev-up from Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has given the two-time State of Origin gun one final shot to fight for his NRL future.
While Milford managed just 11 games last season – six off the bench – in the club’s inaugural campaign, Nikorima has seen a rejuvenated playmaker return to Redcliffe this preseason.
Nikorima, who alongside Milford steered the Broncos to the 2017 preliminary finals in the halves, believed the way the former boy wonder has had to transform his game was starting to show signs of promise.
Now, it was a matter of how badly he wanted to thrive in this environment.
“I thought he played really well, I just think for Milf he changed his game over the years. He’s been around for a long time, and he’s gone from that running half to a more structured, directional half,” Nikorima said.
“He has a great kicking game, we saw that against the Dragons where he actually won us that game just through his kicking.
“He covers all the bases in terms of what a quality half needs, I guess it’s just up to him making sure he still wants it. I think he must have done a bit of training in the off season … he’s in good nick.
“Looking at him at training he definitely still has that in him and the drive. We talk about his best years are gone, but I still believe his best years are still ahead of him.”
While hopeful of seeing the Milford of old return, Nikorima will wage a head-to-head battle with him in the hopes of claiming the No.6 jumper as his own.
For so long used as a utility, the former New Zealand international shone when given the chance to play five-eighth.
Nikorima, who confirmed he had begun extension talks in the hopes of remaining in Dolphins’ colours, will also be challenged by rookie Isaiya Katoa and halfback Sean O’Sullivan.
“Hopefully I can be here long-term. I grew up in Bracken Ridge not too far from here, so ideally I’d love to stay, but obviously, I’ve got a family that I have to look out for too,” Nikorima said.
“I’ll hopefully build on the back of what I did last year, which was five-eighth. That’s where I want to play, but I understand there’s going to be injuries throughout the year and what not.
“Obviously, I’ve got that utility tag next to my name, but I’ll be going into next season wanting that six jersey, and I’ll be competing with Milf and Izzy.
“I wouldn’t say [I’ve earned the right to start], you can’t rest on what you’ve done. Every year is a new year, players get better, and some players go backwards.
“I’ve still got areas of my game I want to improve, and I know if I do improve in those areas I’ll be a much better player and complete player.”
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