Rugby league legends Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler have a simple message for exiled star Anthony Milford as he desperately strives to revive his NRL career.
The 27-year-old is in limbo after he was charged with assault in September, but those charges are expected to now be dropped.
Milford had signed a one-year deal with South Sydney before he was arrested. The NRL refused to register the contract following the police charges, but it’s understood the Rabbitohs may have moved on now anyway.
The playmaker has now been linked to a move to the Knights, whose halves depth is low following the departure of Mitchell Pearce.
Milford was once considered the most talented playmaker in the NRL. It was the reason Brisbane made him the club’s richest ever player, handing him $1 million a season to be their main man.
But the last couple of years have seen a sad decline in his on-field performance. The Broncos cut him loose, having dropped him to reserve grade during the 2021 season.
But with potentially years of football left in his body, Milford is desperate to get back in the NRL.
Newcastle legend Johns has returned to the Knights this year in a coaching consultancy role.
On Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and The Eighth, Johns was asked about the club’s links to Milford.
“I have no idea,” Johns said.
“Definitely (we could fit him in).”
Fittler offered a simple piece of advice to Milford.
“Get fit mate,” Fittler said.
“Get fit and he could make a difference at so many clubs, so many clubs could do with a player like him.
“He can play off the cuff. He’s just got to get fit.”
Johns agreed that was what Milford needs to do to get back into the NRL – potentially with the Knights.
“As Freddy said, just get fit,” Johns said.
“(Rugby league is) not a good game when you’re not fit.”
Fittler responded to that last comment, saying, “(it’s) too hard”.
Newcastle have filled the Pearce void with Adam Clune to partner Jake Clifford for their season opener against the Roosters on Saturday.