The NRL won’t register Anthony Milford’s one-year South Sydney contract while he awaits criminal proceedings.
Milford, 27, was charged with three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of wilful damage involving a vehicle in Brisbane on September 20.
With the NRL refusing to add him to Souths’ squad until a verdict is reached, SEN’s Michelle Bishop says that might not come until the very eve of the season.
“I made a few calls on this one last night, and it looks like it (court dates) could be around mid-February,” Bishop said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“That’s a concern for South Sydney obviously, getting their ducks in a row for the 2022 season.
“He was handed a one-year lifeline with South Sydney after a frustrating season with the Broncos.
“The NRL has refused to register his playing contract while criminal proceedings are going on.
“I guess one thing with the NRL, you’ve got to give them points for consistency.”
Bishop believes Milford will be able to train with the group in the pre-season without officially being an employee of the club.
“I guess his playing future hangs in the balance … he can train with them, as far as I’m aware, he can train (but won’t be registered),” she said.
“It’s going to be a pretty interesting off-season for South Sydney because it’s a pretty significant position.”
Milford has been billed as South Sydney’s potential Adam Reynolds replacement after he signed with the Brisbane Broncos.
The utility has played 193 first-grade games since making his debut for the Raiders in 2013.