Knights keen to play Anthony Milford against Broncos

Having won the battle to register Anthony Milford’s contract, the Knights now must get the former star into shape, meanwhile one fresh court battle looms.
Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien has broken his silence on the club’s decision to sign Anthony Milford, declaring there is every chance the former Brisbane star could be in shape to make his return to the NRL against the Broncos.
“I certainly think physically he will be [ready],” O’Brien said.
“We have a month to get him up to pace. Some guys do six weeks of training and they are ready for round one.
“The other thing is he is not a young guy coming in with four weeks. He has a big base.”
Milford met his Newcastle teammates for the first time on Wednesday morning and hit the training track on Thursday as he steps up his bid to come back to the game.
The former Queensland State of Origin star has had his contract registered by the NRL but is ineligible to return until round 11 at the earliest – the same week the Knights meet his former club Brisbane
Milford had three assault charges dropped by the Queensland courts but pleaded guilty to public nuisance and wilful damage.
The case was back in court this week as Queensland media attempted to gain access to CCTV footage of the night in question. The case was adjourned until next week, when the court will determine whether the footage is released.
In the meantime, Milford is working towards a comeback with the Knights.
“It showed on the weekend that you need depth – look at what the Bulldogs are going through at the moment with Covid,” O’Brien said.

“I think any time we could pick up a player of the calibre of Anthony Milford it is great. It provides not only depth in our top squad, but your training standards increase.
“I think it is smart business by the club.”
O’Brien revealed he and Milford first crossed paths five years ago when the Knights coach was an assistant in Melbourne.
At the time, the Storm were looking for a replacement for the departing Cooper Cronk.
“My only meeting with him was when I was with the Storm and Cooper was leaving,” O’Brien said.

“Craig and myself met Anthony at the casino. I was really impressed with the way he handled himself that day.
“Since then, every time we have played Brisbane, he has gone out of his way to say hello. Sliding door moment – he is here now.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*