Recruit watch: Anthony Milford
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The NRL market has been in full swing for 2023 with several stars switching clubs ahead of the new season.
NRL.com takes a look at the major transfers and how your club will benefit from a star arrival.
Anthony Milford (Dolphins)
- Age: 28
- Position they'll fill: Five-eighth
- Contracted until: 2024
What Milford will bring
A move back home to Queensland could be the key to a career revival for 28-year-old Milford who reunites with Wayne Bennett, the man who brought out his best in 2015 as the Broncos came within an ace of winning a premiership.
Milford has struggled to recapture his best form in recent years but the former Queensland Origin rep brings 206 games of experience to the table for the NRL's newest franchise.
After seven years in Brisbane, Milford agreed to terms with the Rabbitohs for 2022 but never took the field, instead linking with the Knights for 13 games and then being lured to the Dolphins by Bennett.
Every NRL fan who witnessed him in his prime knows what the enigmatic playmaker is capable of producing and a new lease on life under the old master may be just what he needs.
Round 1 rewind: Appreciate that Milford footwork
Why it'll workÂ
A return to Queensland, reuniting with Bennett and after helping Samoa to a World Cup final, there's all the ingredients required to know that Milford should be a decent recruit for the new club.
The Dolphins have plenty of experience in the pack with former Storm trio Kenny Bromwich, Jesse Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi boasting 684 NRL games between them.
In the halves, former Panther Sean O'Sullivan has just 32 games to his name and aspiring five-eighth Isaiya Katoa is yet to make his first-grade debut... that's where Milford comes in.
The man with the dazzling feet will have gained plenty of confidence from Samoa's emotional charge to the World Cup Final and he'll be primed to lead the Dolphins around the paddock in their debut year.
With the forward pack setting a platform, Milford should have time and space to open up opportunities for star recruit Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at fullback, while he should complement O'Sullivan's organisational skills in the halves.
Milford also played plenty of footy with Kodi Nikorima at the Broncos and their combination will be crucial for a new team looking to find its feet quickly in the big time.
