NRL refuses to register Anthony Milford’s South Sydney Rabbitohs contract

Milford was due to begin pre-season training with the Rabbitohs this week but will be sidelined indefinitely while his case works its way through the court system.

“The National Rugby League has advised player Anthony Milford and the South Sydney Rabbitohs that it will not consider registering a contract for the player until criminal proceedings against Milford have been completed,” the NRL said in a statement.

“Given the severity of the allegations, particularly that two charges allege violence against women, the NRL will not consider an application for registration until the court process is complete.”

Milford was arrested on September 20 and charged with three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of wilful damage involving a vehicle.

“The South Sydney Rabbitohs respect and support the NRL’s decision to not register a contract for Anthony Milford at this stage,” the Rabbitohs said in a statement.

“The Rabbitohs will await the outcome of the legal proceedings and the NRL’s final determination before commenting further.”

Milford was signed by the Rabbitohs as a potential replacement for the departed Adam Reynolds, the pair swapping clubs during the off-season.

However, his opportunity to take hold of the Rabbitohs No.7 jersey will now hinge on how quickly his case works its way through the system and the outcome of his hearing.

SHARKS LOCK DOWN STAR HOOKER

Blayke Brailey has become the latest hooker to be taken off the open market after agreeing terms on a four-year-deal with the Cronulla Sharks.

The Sharks initially tabled a three-year contract to Brailey but it is understood the 23-year-old will ink fresh terms that will tie him to the club until the end of 2026.

Brailey played 24 games for the Sharks last season and was identified as a key retention by coach Craig Fitzgibbon when he took the reins.

His decision to stay means he will be out of the reach for a handful of clubs who are pursuing a hooker for 2023, among them the Dolphins and Parramatta.

The new deal is believed to be worth upwards of $2.1 million. Crucially, Brailey will have support in the hooking role this season following the club’s decision to sign Cameron McInnes from St George Illawarra.

McInnes has been signed to play lock but is also a high-class hooker. Fitzgibbon has made some key additions since being appointed to take over the Sharks, the most notable being Melbourne pair Dale Finucane and Nicho Hynes.

Brailey’s retention was also vital given the dearth of hookers on the market. The clamour to sign a quality No. 9 has led to Reed Mahoney and Brandon Smith attracting big offers from rivals before signing with Canterbury and the Sydney Roosters.

Brailey could have cashed in by going on the open market but it is understood he was committed to finding a deal with the Sharks and his manager David Riolo opened against opening talks with rival clubs until he had exhausted all avenues at Cronulla.