Milford happy to be back for Toa Samoa

Anthony Milford is longing to run out for Toa Samoa since his last appearance in blue at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

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As he looks forward to playing for Toa Samoa for the first time in four years, Anthony Milford has spoken about the frustration of being forced to watch his countrymen from the sideline since the last Rugby League World Cup due to the tug-o-war over his representative allegiances.

Milford, who will be Samoa’s main play maker in Saturday night’s Pacific Test against England at Campbelltown Stadium, starred at the 2013 World Cup but has not been able to play for the island nation since without jeopardising his eligibility for Australia and Queensland in State of Origin.

However, new international eligibility rules introduced this season enable players like Milford, who qualify for more than one country, to play for a Tier 2 nation if they are not chosen by their Tier 1 nation.

The rule change means that Milford no longer has to endure the frustration of watching Samoa play without him, even though he was not injured and had been in camp with the team as he was during the 2014 Four Nations tournament.

“It was hard and probably the worst thing was just being in that position of watching them play, I guess, knowing you could contribute something."

“This will be my second World Cup and it was a real dream come true in 2013 so it is something I am really looking forward to.

“I am representing not just my family but everyone back home as well so I am happy and humbled to get another opportunity to play for Samoa. Once I found out the eligibility rules I was stoked. I just can’t wait.

“It is not just for myself but for many of the other players who miss out on playing for their countries, to be able to go back to your home county and be able to represent your family is a special feeling.”

Milford had played just 18 NRL matches for Canberra before the 2013 World Cup and the 22-year-old said he had always hoped he could play for Samoa again.

“It was probably just the passion of everyone who puts on the Samoa jersey.”

“You get to play with other Samoans from other clubs so that makes it one of those memorable moments in your life that you just cherish.”

Up against Brisbane mentor Wayne Bennett, who is the England coach, Milford is hoping to earn bragging rights at training by helping Samoa to a win on Saturday night but he said his main motivation was the opportunity to play with the likes of Sam Kasiano, Antonio Winterstein, Joseph Leilua and Junior Paulo.

“I am just looking forward to playing with some of the superstars who have come in to play with this team,” he said.

“All I am going to do is my job, and do what I do best and enjoy myself. I think if everyone enjoys themselves and plays good footy it will go a long way to creating something special for us.”

By Brad Walter | @BradWalterSport
Chief Correspondent, RLWC2017