Ben Hunt’s defection may have disappointed Anthony Milford but the Brisbane playmaker has vowed to cherish his final NRL season with the Dragons signing.
Milford will get a taste of life without halves partner Hunt at this weekend’s Auckland Nines after the No.7 was rested for the NRL season opener.
Milford will be Brisbane’s chief playmaker at Eden Park with Hunt expected to briefly feature in Saturday night’s NRL trial against Cronulla at Redcliffe.
Milford is expected to combine with Benji Marshall in Auckland where the former Kiwi captain will make his Brisbane debut.
While excited by Marshall’s Nines prospects, Milford said he wanted to make the most of his remaining time with Hunt this season.
Milford admitted sadness at hearing last week that halfback Hunt had signed a five season, $6 million Dragons deal from 2018.
“He helped me a lot when I first came to the club and made me more comfortable on the field,” ex-Canberra Raider Milford said.
“It’s pretty sad knowing he will go (at season’s end) but it is a big thing for him.
“I am excited for him to do his best at a new club.
“We will move on. (But) when it comes to that last game together, it will be pretty sad.”
Off-contract pivot Milford has been the centre of speculation since Hunt’s signing.
Several Sydney clubs are reportedly interested in snapping up the livewire half.
And if Milford re-signs with Brisbane, coach Wayne Bennett is reportedly considering switching him to halfback and fullback Darius Boyd to pivot in Hunt’s absence next year.
Milford did not bite on either topic on Tuesday.
“I don’t know what is going to happen next year,” he said.
“I am purely focused on what this year brings, and playing with Benny in his last year.
“Everything is left to my manager. I will just play football.”
Meanwhile, Brisbane are yet to confirm their Redcliffe trial squad but Test prop Josh McGuire appears unlikely to play after suffering a hamstring twinge last week.
Bennett will not travel to Auckland, instead opting to watch developing players in the Redcliffe trial against defending champions the Sharks.
Controversial flyer James Roberts also features in a star-studded 18-strong Broncos Nines squad.
Roberts was picked after the NRL integrity unit last week determined it would take no action against the speedster following allegations he assaulted a female Gold Coast nightclub patron earlier this month.
The Broncos squad also features captaincy frontrunner Boyd, hooker Andrew McCullough, Queensland winger Corey Oates and internationals Jordan Kahu, Adam Blair and Matt Gillett.