Attack may be considered the best form of defence.
But prized Brisbane recruit Anthony Milford says his priority this NRL season will be making tackles – not breaking them.
Ex-Canberra fullback Milford showed flashes of brilliance in his first outing with new halves partner Ben Hunt in last weekend’s NRL trial loss to the Cowboys in Mackay.
And he will again be expected to turn heads in their World Club Challenge showdown with Wigan after being included in Brisbane’s squad for next weekend’s UK clash.
But Milford said he would concentrate on piling up tackles rather than points as he makes the transition from Raiders No.1 to Broncos pivot.
“I did my best not to overplay my hand,” Milford said of his trial display against North Queensland.
“I was happiest with my defence.
“I wanted to get that down pat before the season starts.”
Broncos back-rower Alex Glenn has already put his hand up as Milford’s “bodyguard” in defence – the same role Tonie Carroll successfully played for Brisbane legend Darren Lockyer in the past.
However, Glenn is no longer a selection shoo-in under returning coach Wayne Bennett as he competes for back-row spots with Matt Gillett, Corey Parker and Sam Thaiday.
And Milford admitted the onus was on him to beef up his defence rather than rely on a teammate.
“I will be making a lot more tackles than usual (as five-eighth) – as long as I get that part of my game right I will be happy,” he said.
“I pride myself on my defence.”
Milford hardly set the world alight on Broncos debut at their ill-fated Auckland Nines campaign.
And he took baby steps as Hunt’s new halves partner last weekend against North Queensland.
Milford urged Brisbane fans to be patient as he tried to find his feet with Hunt, with the pair first combining in the Prime Minister’s XIII’s 34-16 win over PNG last October.
“That was our first game since then so we can only get better,” Milford said.
“However long it takes Wayne says he is going to be patient with us and we are more than happy with that.”
Milford said he already liked what he saw from Hunt.
“He’s a good organiser and gets us around the park real well,” he said.
“I just sit back and watch what he does and then do my best to inject myself into the game.”
Milford and Hunt will again combine against Wigan in a strong Broncos squad next weekend.
Broncos’ WCC squad: Adam Blair, Mitchell Dodds, James Gavet, Alex Glenn, Justin Hodges, Ben Hunt, Jordan Kahu, Lachlan Maranta, Andrew McCullough, Josh McGuire, Anthony Milford, Kodi Nikorima, Joe Ofahengaue, Tom Opacic, Corey Parker, Sam Thaiday, Daniel Vidot, Aaron Whitchurch.
