Anthony Milford Won't Let Injury Hinder His World Cup Chances

"I want to play"


Article heading image for Anthony Milford Won't Let Injury Hinder His World Cup Chances

Anthony Milford hasn't given up on playing in this year's World Cup despite requiring end-of-season surgery on his injured shoulder.

The Brisbane five-eighth got through his return game from a dislocated shoulder against Newcastle on Saturday night unscathed.

Milford was Queensland's first-choice five-eighth replacement for Johnathan Thurston in the State of Origin series opener, before the injury ruled him out for the rest of the series.

That same spot has now been opened up in the Kangaroos squad for the World Cup, with James Maloney, Cameron Munster and Michael Morgan leading the contenders.

But Milford hopes his shoulder won't rule him out from joining that list, while he could also represent Samoa if he is fit and not selected for an Australian debut.

"I want to play the World Cup," Milford said.

"Whether I can or not that's up to the club. Best interests for the club is what I want to do first and foremost.

"Hopefully if the shoulder pulls up good after the last game hopefully I'm up for selection."

Milford is rated a 50-50 chance of getting to the end of the season for the Broncos without re-injuring the shoulder and requiring earlier surgery.

He tested the joint by having the Broncos props run at him in the lead-up to the Knights clash, where he returned a week earlier than expected.

But he said he was able to put the fear of re-injury out of his mind before he took on the Knights big men.

"Every team knows who is injured and who is not," Milford said.

"That's not something I'm nervous of or do fear."

The star five-eighth looked as dangerous as ever in the 34-22 win over Newcastle.

He kicked with precision in the first half - hitting the posts twice - and didn't make a mistake despite not having full range of movement in his left arm.

- AAP

16 July 2017




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