Rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns has drilled home what Anthony Milford must do in season 2020 to ensure the Brisbane Broncos renew his contract.
While Milford has earned close to $1 million-a-season since crossing from the Canberra Raiders at the end of 2014, his form has dipped in recent years.
His downward spiral led to his State of Origin axing – not once, but twice – and has even thrown his future at the Broncos into serious doubt.
Johns believes the five-eighth had improved from last season in his opening-round performance against the Parramatta Eels at Suncorp Stadium last Friday night, but the legendary halfback said he must offer his club even more.
"Not every week; every minute of every game he's got to own those moments," Johns said on Wide World of Sports' Immortal Behaviour.
"You can't have six out of 10s and then an eight out of 10 once a month; you've got to be eight out of 10 and then nine out of 10 once a month.
"You need that consistency, you need to inspire your teammates, you need to own those big moments, you need to own the game when the game's on the line."
Johns pointed out one moment in last week's clash with the Eels in which he thought Milford had not made the right call.
The former Newcastle Knights champion said Milford must let his halves partner direct the team and leave himself to play instinctive footy.
While Brodie Croft partnered Milford in the halves in Round One, highly touted rookie Tom Dearden will likely get his chance in the No.7 jersey this season.
"Milford's not that game-management sort of player," Johns said.
"There was a play late in the game where he decided to chip in his own half, which was the wrong play. I understand he was going for the win.
"Brodie Croft is the guy who's got to steer the game and Anthony Milford is an instinctive player and a runner. He needs to have that adlib footy. I think the job of managing the team and steering the team and even doing a lot of the kicking needs to fall on Brodie Croft.
"Although I thought Anthony played better – a lot better – than he did last year.
"He's looking fit. If you've got a fit body you've got a fit mind and you make better decisions under fatigue. So moving forward, better signs for Anthony."
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