Champion Broncos five-eighth Darren Lockyer sees the "weight of expectation" coming off Anthony Milford as the most critical facet of his potential Rabbitohs revival bid next season.
Milford will retain Brisbane's No.6 jersey this Saturday against Cronulla following an impressive, match-winning performance against the Warriors last weekend – his first run-on appearance since May.
He has at most two games left in a topsy-turvy Broncos, where his much-publicised, $4 million, four-year contract was a constant focus, and eventual tipping point as Milford yo-yoed in and out of the NRL this season.
Milford will link with South Sydney on a one-year deal worth roughly a third of his Brisbane deal, with star five-eighth Cody Walker to take the scrumbase lead under former Broncos assistant Jason Demetriou.
Speaking to WWOS after Milford played the house down against the Warriors, Lockyer highlighted the confidence he played with now Milford is not the focal point of all things Brisbane.
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"I think the weight of expectation was off his shoulders, he's got his future settled," Lockyer said.
"Leading into the game the talk wasn't about a million-dollar player not playing to his potential. It was just Milford's in the team.
"I guess that's one of the frustrating things for Anthony and the Broncos the last couple years is to get that performance from him week in week out.
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"If you look at the footy perspective, Albert Kelly even though he's an experienced player, he wasn't a dominant voice and Milford took control."
Milford made clear on Wednesday he wants to finish his Broncos career on a high, particularly with friend, captain and long-time defensive bodyguard Alex Glenn retiring at season's end.
The former Queensland Origin utility conceded he needs the "fresh start" a shift to South Sydney offers after an underwhelming past two years in Broncos colours.
"It'll be handy and it's always good to get out of your comfort zone," he said.
"I've been at the Broncs for seven years now. Although it's sad to move on I'm looking forward to it.
"I want to leave Brisbane knowing I gave my best, especially for these last two games. Hopefully we can make some memorable moments over these next two games."
Milford was non-committal when asked by Brisbane media if he would consider a return to the city if a 17th franchise is granted a 2023 or 2024 licence.
While a ruling from the NRL on expansion is expected around October, veteran coach Wayne Bennett has been touted as the first-choice mentor by all three bids tabled to ARL Commission.
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"I'm not too sure," Milford said of a potential return north.
"I just signed with Souths to try and back myself, play some good footy and whatever happens after that happens.
"Ideally it'd be nice [to return to Brisbane]. But I'll back myself at Souths and see how I go."