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BRONCOS recruit Anthony Milford says he has no plans to return to Canberra, expressing his shock at a press release that represents the final straw for his career at the Raiders.
Currently holidaying in Samoa, Milford last night spoke out to refute Canberra's claim that he will honour the final year of his deal before moving to Brisbane in 2015.
The Raiders yesterday released a statement "confirming" the Broncos-bound sensation would report for pre-season training on December 16 and see out the 2014 season.
But The Courier-Mail can reveal Milford has twice told Canberra hierarchy he has no intention of returning, even spurning a three-year, $2.1 million contract extension.
The 19-year-old insists he was not consulted about Canberra's official statement in a development that has driven a toxic wedge between Milford and the Raiders.
"The way the Raiders put things out, I was disappointed and shocked that they would do it that way," Milford said.
Anthony Milford in action for Samoa. Source: Getty Images
"For them to put out a statement, I never expected that to come out.
"There was no talk of that, I didn't even know they were going to put out a statement.
"I spoke to Ricky (Stuart, Canberra coach) and Don Furner (CEO) last week and they said they wanted me back on December 16 for pre-season training.
"I haven't given any guarantees. Now all this has come out ... when I get home there will be some conversations going on.
"I'm excited for 2015 now, my whole family are happy I'll be in Brisbane."
In Canberra's statement, Furner said: "We acknowledge that Anthony has battled homesickness and is very close to his family, however we are pleased that he will be playing for our club in 2014."
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Milford has previously indicated he would sit out the 2014 season, but that is a last-resort scenario.
Money is not an over-riding concern. Milford's two-year Broncos deal is worth around $450,000 a season, meaning he has sacrificed in excess of $1 million to leave Canberra.
"My No.1 goal is to come back home and look after my parents," said Milford, who sought to trigger an illness clause relating to father Halo's health in August.
"My dad's health comes first. If anything happened to him while I'm in Canberra, I'd be pretty shitty.
"The money (from Canberra) was massive. It was a huge offer for me to stay. But at the end of the day, this decision isn't about money.
"That's why I asked for a release back in August. Canberra know how I feel ... I have gone to the Broncos for a lot less money.
"It's been very hard on my own in Canberra. I'm on the phone every day to mum and dad. I go to 'Papa's' (Josh Papalii's) house as much as I can to feel that sense of family, then I go home and I'm alone again."
Anthony Milford says he's told the Raiders he won't be returning to Canberra. Source: Getty Images
Asked if Canberra will force him to return, he said: "I have no idea, I'm pretty sure if I did stay in Brisbane, the Raiders would stop me playing any form of rugby league."
Milford said he would relish wearing the Broncos' No.6 jumper once worn by his idol, former skipper Darren Lockyer.
"As a young kid I loved watching Locky and have always gone for them," he said.
"The Broncos are a great club. I haven't played at Suncorp Stadium yet so to make it my home ground will be awesome.
"I learned a few things at fullback at Canberra but if the Broncos want me to play five-eighth, that's fine with me."
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