Milford vague on Knights future

Newcastle half Anthony Milford says he’s focused on footy rather than his contract status, amid strong speculation he won’t stay with the Knights next season.

Anthony Milford says his eyes lit up when Newcastle offered him an NRL career lifeline, but the new Knights’ five-eighth is non-committal about his playing future past 2022.

Amid speculation he’ll head to the Dolphins for next season and reunite with coach Wayne Bennett, who he played under at Brisbane between 2015 and 2018, Milford said he hadn’t even thought about returning to Queensland and would let his manager look after his future.

“I haven’t worked any of that out at the moment … I’m just trying to stick on playing really well here at the Knights … hopefully that just sorts itself out on the side,” Milford told reporters.

“I’ve left it all on my manager and I’m just focused on everything here.

“I haven’t even thought about (returning to Queensland).

“I’m just grateful for the opportunity, I don’t want to waste that and I’m just making sure I perform week in, week out.”

Milford signed with the Knights in April after receiving approval to return to the NRL following the withdrawal of three assault charges.

He had agreed to join South Sydney for 2023 before those charges meant the NRL refused to register his contract.

“When my manager spoke to me about (joining Newcastle), my eyes lit up,” Milford said.

“Obviously because the club wanted to try and get me, and then I had a look at the roster and that excited me a lot.

“I’m just very grateful for the opportunity and it’s just good to be back.”

Milford has played four games for the Knights, with his kicking game immediately becoming an asset for his new side.

A potential move to the Dolphins would make sense for the NRL’s new side, as they are yet to sign an established playmaker.

They have however signed highly-rated 18-year-old half Isaiya Katoa from Penrith’s juniors.

By: Alex Mitchell, AAP