Parish intends to pick Milford for Samoa Test

[Scubby]

He is yet to play for anyone this cycle so technically hasn't switched. He can play for Samoa this year without ruining his chances of playing for Australia next year. Which is of course absolutely ridiculous.

We all know you can substitute Australia for Queensland in terms of what he is scared of missing out on. Let's not kid ourselves this is about anything other than State of Origin. It's just the concept makes you have to declare for Australia.

 

[Usain Bolt]

If Milford wanted to play for Samoa then he would. Bennett is obviously taking the bullet for this because Milford doesn't have the balls to say no to Samoa, so they can just say Bennett wouldn't let him

 

[RedVee]

I think it is Bennett taking the heat.
It's likely that Milford has taken advice that playing for Samoa is short sighted if his ultimate goal is to play for Australia at the RLWC (yes, and Queensland).
Supposition on my account, but I can imagine this scenario quite easily.

 

[hutch]

It's time for the arl to stop forcing players to only be eligible for Australia to play origin. I've long been against this, but it's clear that origin is such a massive draw that it is impacting on the international game. However, if Milford chose qld and Samoa, he should be locked into Samoa for his career.

 

[Big Pete]

He is yet to play for anyone this cycle so technically hasn't switched. He can play for Samoa this year without ruining his chances of playing for Australia next year. Which is of course absolutely ridiculous.

I noticed that, which is why I made the second post.

There seems to be some confusion surrounding this. The rule states black and white that it isn't an issue but Parish and co. were told otherwise.

 

[RedVee]

"Milford would rather play for Australia than Samoa but he did not want to offend his heritage or the Samoan team by rejecting them."

http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...n/news-story/77e1aef2ddc68d818709258718dfafb4

^ could someone post this article please?
Link takes me to a "subscribe" page.

 

[Perth Red]

Hull FC release two players to travel the world to represent their country. Bennett won't let Milford travel interstate. #shameonyoubennett