Kevin Walters’ Anthony Milford project has begun as the new Brisbane coach demands more from his NRL playmaker in 2021.

Milford has failed to replicate the form that helped the Broncos to within one tackle of the 2015 title.

Shifted from five-eighth to fullback as former coach Anthony Seibold did his best to solve the Broncos’ spine issues, Milford’s 2020 season ended prematurely because of a hamstring injury.

But Seibold’s replacement Walters has backed the 26-year-old to rediscover his best, earmarking him alongside hot-and-cold forward Tevita Pangai Jnr as crucial pieces in a Brisbane revival after their historic wooden spoon.

“I’m very excited (to work with him); I know the talent Anthony has and it’s up to all of us to get those talents to the table,” former representative five eighth Walters told Big Sports Breakfast.

“He’s a man of a lot of pride as well and he’s extremely disappointed with what happened this year at the Broncos and wants to turn it around.

“We all know his skills, seen what he can do – it’s about getting that happening at training to progress into games.”

Following the departure of David Fifita to Gold Coast, Walters has pledged to restore Brisbane’s reputation as a destination club by retaining their stars.

Jack Bird (St George Illawarra) and Joe Ofahengaue (Wests Tigers) have also left the nest though, while Matt Lodge’s future in Brisbane remains unclear.

Brisbane are expected to add versatile forward John Asiata, while the club also signed veteran back Dale Copley on a one-year deal on Sunday.

Ofahengaue had two years remaining on the Brisbane deal he extended 12 months ago.

“Joffa had a third year offer at the Tigers that we weren’t prepared to, at this stage, give Joe,” Walters explained.

“It’ll be a good change for Joe; we had a really tough conversation a while back about where he’s going with his football.

It’s a good club, good coach and a team that’s looking to progress … he played some good football here Joe, but the timing was right.”