Under-fire Brisbane five-eighth Anthony Milford has taken ownership of the Broncos’ poor start to the NRL season, admitting his defence must improve ahead of Saturday’s clash with Cronulla.
Milford and halves partner Kodi Nikorima have been in the headlights of critics during a 1-5 start to the season.
“It’s part and parcel of being a Bronco,” he said.
“Kodi and I accept the responsibility, we’re trying to work as hard as we can and make sure we nail it.”
The pivot insists he’s enjoying the challenge and said a heart-to-heart with Nikorima after last weekend’s tight loss to Canberra had sparked the pair.
“It was a get together after the game (to discuss) the pros and cons,” he said, adding that his main focus was in defence.
“We felt we needed to work a bit harder, get us around the park a little bit more and execute our plays.
“We’ve been a lot more upbeat in training (since then) and definitely working together and 100 percent (I’m happy) … I’m sure the tide will turn.”
Milford had the ball on a string at Thursday’s session, in which Matt Lodge trained strongly as he eyes return after a week out with a throat injury.
Tevita Pangai Jnr is also keen for some action after a two-week suspension for his hit on Sydney Roosters playmaker Cooper Cronk, giving the Broncos their strongest side on paper this season.
Saturday’s clash looms as a crucial one in the longer term for the Broncos, who are already four wins outside the top four ahead of games against the Sharks, Wayne Bennett’s South Sydney, Manly and the Roosters.