Criticism of Anthony Milford’s quiet Broncos debut has ensured some soul searching this week – for Brisbane’s forwards.
Queensland backrower Matt Gillett conceded the Broncos pack had to “take some ownership” after Milford’s underwhelming display at pivot in their disastrous 36-6 NRL season-opening loss to South Sydney.
Gillett agreed that it would be difficult for Milford to recapture his head-turning best until the Brisbane forwards started pulling their weight.
But he believed they had a golden opportunity to atone against a bruising Cronulla pack on Friday night.
Asked if the forwards took some ownership after Milford’s panned performance, Gillett said: “Yeah. Our forwards have to be doing a great job to give our backs room to move.
“Especially with Anthony Milford and his footwork and (halfback) Benny Hunt is a good runner of the ball.
“We need to go forward.”
Considered Brisbane’s X-factor after they won a tug of war with Canberra, converted fullback Milford made headlines for all the wrong reasons after last week’s debut.
TV commentator Phil Gould claimed Milford was “not physically mature enough” to play pivot after being completely outplayed by opposite number, South Sydney No.6 Luke Keary.
Broncos prop Josh McGuire believes cynics should cut Milford some slack as he begins what looms as a difficult transition to five-eighth.
But he agreed it was up to the forwards to help ease the process.
“Milf is in a new position and Hunty is finding his feet again,” he said.
“But if we don’t do our job those boys can’t do theirs.
“There is a lot of room for improvement for our forwards in the middle.
“I thought we competed well for the first 25 minutes (against Rabbitohs) then let them get away, and a team like that will make you pay.
“If we roll our sleeves up and go forward and give those boys some time in the ruck, I think you will see some good footy from Milf and Hunty.”
Brisbane forward Gillett admitted lining up against the South Sydney pack showed just how far off the pace they were at the start of the 2015 NRL season.
“Souths are the best team in the comp,” he said.
“It just shows you how far off we are at the moment and where we want to be.”
