Australia, Samoa, Canberra, Brisbane and Queensland all want Milford to pledge allegiance 
TWO countries, two NRL clubs and a state are chasing 19-year-old Anthony Milford, who faces an insomnia-causing six weeks.
Not only is Milford centre of a fierce club battle, his talent and utility value has him embroiled in an eligibility debate.
Australia, Samoa, Canberra, Brisbane and Queensland all want Milford to pledge allegiance to them by June.
Milford is faced with career-changing decisions few teenagers have ever had to deal with.
The Sunday Mail can reveal Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens is likely to select Milford for the Four Nations tournament this October.
Queensland coach Mal Meninga also views Milford as a potential bench weapon in this year's series.
Milford is one injury away from becoming a Maroon and Meninga said the code's new rules could yet force them to pick him on the bench anyway.
However, for Milford to play for Australia and Queensland he must reject Samoa the country which depends on his brilliance to qualify for the Four Nations.
Samoa are desperate for Milford to play for them in the Pacific Test against Fiji next month.
Milford starred for Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup but if he elects to honour his heritage again he can not play for Queensland or Australia until 2016.
Milford's call will be brave either way.
He could elect to be an Australian only for a form drop to leave him stranded without international football.
The headache is the last thing Milford needs as the Raiders mount a late bid to keep him from formalising a three-year contract with Brisbane.
The Broncos' contract with Milford does not become binding until round 13 and Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has launched an audacious attempt to change the fullback's mind, offering him more than $1 million a year to stay loyal.
They have also moved Milford's family to Canberra.
Milford has seven weeks to decide between the Broncos and Raiders but must choose Samoa or Australia, and therefore Queensland, in the next fortnight as the Pacific Test is played on May 2.
Every player's international eligibility re-set following last year's World Cup, with dual eligible players able to select a new country to play for and lock in for the next World Cup.
Sheens said Milford was a real contender for the Four Nations squad but Daly Cherry-Evans could make it hard for him to crack the 17.
"The major nations get first choice," Sheens said of Milford's eligibility. "He's a good chance to be in the squad.
"His utility value may bring him into contention (for the 17) depending on who is available."
Sheens also revealed he talked to Stuart about his plight to keep Milford in Canberra, the club Sheens made his name at.
"I spoke to Ricky about it, they are very keen to keep him," Sheens said. "He has such huge potential to be even better than he currently is. "I think he is very important for them.
"In saying that, I'm sure the Broncos are wanting him.
"He is a future star no doubt about that."
Unless there is an injury to Queensland's halves, Milford is little chance to play in State of Origin Game One because Cherry-Evans is the established utility.
However, if the fast rucks impact Game One then selectors would consider Milford for the final two games.
"We have three games over the series so an opportunity could arise for a guy like Anthony," Queensland's chairman of selectors Des Morris said.
"It's a bit early for us to be contemplating who will be in our squad. "With injuries and things like that, Anthony's form warrants that he be considered."
Source:
http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/australia-samoa-canberra-brisbane-and-queensland-all-want-milford-to-pledge-allegiance/story-e6frf3qc-1226881948194
Topic: Raiders and Broncos aren't the only teams fighting over Milford
