Anthony Milford wants the ball in his hands more often.
That was the Brisbane playmaker’s blunt request as the Broncos prepare to take down North Queensland’s monster pack at Suncorp Stadium.
Milford missed Brisbane’s pre-season games and says his combination with Kodi Nikorima should improve after a tough season-opening loss to Melbourne.
The five-eighth said he was pleased new coach Anthony Seibold has encouraged an offensive system that should give the halves more early ball.
“It’s no secret that Kodi and I, our strength is our running game,” Milford said.
“The more times we’re running, injecting, the better we are.
“I enjoy … getting the ball in my hands early and making the decisions myself.”
Brisbane will still need their undermanned pack to step up against the Cowboys, who boast the formidable Jason Taumalolo and run deep enough to play former Bronco and Kangaroo Josh McGuire off the bench.
Milford said the Broncos would do their best to tire Taumalolo after he ran for 301 metres last weekend, but the forwards wouldn’t do all the work.
Centre James Roberts (back), meanwhile, completed a full training session on Wednesday but is far from certain to return on Friday.