Rabbitohs wary of Milford
Fri 22 Apr, 2016, 7:00am
By Martin Gabor*, National Correspondent , NRL.com
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The last time Anthony Milford played the Rabbitohs was Round 25, 2015, and it was a night to remember for the Broncos No.6.
Milford was at his electrifying best, scoring a double, running for a season-high 249 metres and breaking the line three times in what turned out to be a brutal 47-12 shellacking over the 2014 premiers.
Current South Sydney centre Hymel Hunt wasn't at the club for the game but knows first-hand just how potent the Broncos five-eighth can be with ball in hand.
The pair played against each other in the NYC when Hunt was at the Titans and Milford at the Raiders, but it's the time they ran out as State of Origin teammates that stands out for Hunt.
While the Maroons were soundly beaten 36-12 in the 2013 under-20s clash, Milford crossed for a try and kicked both goals in a performance that has stayed fresh in Hunt's mind.
"We played the second year of Junior State of Origin together, and in that game I could see how skilful he was and how strong he was. That's one of the reasons I'm looking forward to playing him this week," Hunt told NRL.com.
"I think I was at right centre and he was playing half. We were losing at some stage of the game and I could see him having a massive dig. I know he's a good competitor so I'm really excited to play him this week."
Friday night's clash will be a huge test for a South Sydney side coming off a heavy 26-point defeat to the Cowboys.
After contending with arguably the best player on the planet last week, Hunt will be tasked with trying to stop the left edge of Milford and Corey Oates who have combined for 14 tries already in 2016.
While Oates is one of the form wingers in the competition at the moment, he predominately played in the back-row at Holden Cup level, and also featured in that 2013 State of Origin encounter.
"The Broncos have set the bar for us and the whole NRL. Last weekend was a good hit out against JT [Johnathan Thurston] and it's given us good training for this week," the 22-year-old said.
"Milf and Oates keep scoring tries. I grew up playing with them so I can't wait for the opportunity."
Hunt says that while speed is Milford's greatest asset, the pint-sized five-eighth has many more strings to his bow.
"He's very deceptive. He might look like a small man but he's very strong so that's one area we're focussing on. We can't underestimate him because we know how powerful and elusive he is," Hunt said.
"He plays what's in front of him so we've just got to do our best to give him no opportunities to hurt us."
They might be enemies on the field on Friday night, but Hunt has plenty of respect for his fellow Samoan and is proud of what he's accomplished so far in 2016.
"He's a very humble kid and he doesn't let fame get to him. I don't see him as much as I should but I'm sure after this weekend we'll catch up for sure."
http://www.nrl.com/rabbitohs-wary-of-milford/tabid/10874/newsid/95085/default.aspx
