Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters has openly admitted Anthony Milford has not yet done enough to earn a contract extension for 2022 and beyond.
The much-maligned 26-year-old is in the final season of his four-year, $4 million deal with the Broncos.
Milford has become a favourite target of pundits and fans in recent seasons after failing to consistently perform to the level his seven-figure salary demands.
Asked directly if he has seen enough in the first four rounds of the season to offer Milford a new contract, Walters was brutally honest in his response.
MORE: Bennett rules out Broncos return, confirms interest in coaching NRL's 17th team
“I think that’s a work in progress, right now you’d have to say no,” Walters said.
“We need to see Milf playing better but I‘m extremely confident that we can get the best out of Anthony Milford.
“We’re four weeks in to a 25-round competition plus finals, so we’re in no hurry and Anthony’s in no hurry.”
Despite not being willing to commit to the struggling five-eighth, Walters insisted Milford still warrants his spot in the Broncos starting side ahead of Thursday’s Round 5 clash against South Sydney.
“I don’t listen to the outside noise, I know what’s happening inside with what we’re doing and what we’re trying to achieve,” Walters said.
“Milf’s played some good football this year at different stages so we’re backing him all the way, we’re backing all of our players to come up with the right answers at the right times.
“He’s under a lot of pressure as everyone is in the Broncos jersey at the moment, but it’s about just taking little steps at a time to improve and I feel that Anthony is tying in with everything that we’re trying to do, he’s certainly having a crack and that’s what I like about him.
“His attitude’s been great again this week, he’s fully aware of everything that’s going on and what’s required from him in his role in the team and we expect him to do that and make those commitments Thursday night against Souths.”
There is also uncertainty over who will be the Broncos’ long-term half-back, with Brodie Croft and Tom Dearden sharing the role through four rounds.
Walters will get an up-close look at Rabbitohs skipper Adam Reynolds on Thursday night.
The 30-year-old is locked in a contract stand-off with the Bunnies and has been linked with both North Queensland and the Broncos.
Asked if he is interested in signing the goal-kicking veteran for next season, Walters replied:
“Not at this stage, no. We’re happy with what we have on our books and we’ll move forward with those guys in the immediate future.”
Walters added the club is focused on retaining several young guns, including off-contract centre Kotoni Staggs who has been linked with multiple rival clubs including the Gold Coast Titans.
