Anthony Milford

Milford was in Parramatta to help launch the Downer Rugby League World 9s Sydney 2019 on Monday and is determined to turn out for Samoa in the end-of-season tournament and their follow-up Test against Fiji in November 2's Eden Park triple-header.

When Brisbane's marquee playmaker went down against Newcastle last month there were fears for his season with predictions he could be out for up to 12 weeks with a knee injury.

Milford was later diagnosed with MCL damage that will require clean-out surgery at some point.

The 23 year old played in Queensland's Game One State of Origin defeat against New South Wales earlier this month but will be unavailable for Game Two on Sunday after opting to represent Samoa.

Milford played in Samoa's Pacific Test defeat by England last May but missed the World Cup due to a shoulder injury.

Manly winger Jorge Taufua is set to make his debut for Samoa, having previously represented Tonga, however four former Toa Samoa internationals have switched allegiance to New Zealand ahead of the Kiwis controversial test against England in Denver this weekend.

Milford will make a return from shoulder surgery off the bench in the match in Port Moresby.

Sam Scarlett will start in the halves alongside Kodi Nikorima, with Milford to join the fray at some stage of the game against the Intrust Super Cup champions of last year.

BRONCOS TEAM TO PLAY PNG HUNTERS

Saturday, 3.30pm (PNG time)

1. Jamayne Isaako

2. Jonus Pearson

3. James Roberts

4. Tom Opacic

5. Jordan Kahu

6. Sam Scarlett

7. Kodi Nikorima

8. Matt Lodge

9. Todd Murphy

Milford passed his fitness test on Friday morning and it means he will play his first match since dislocating his shoulder against the Sydney Roosters in Round 13. 

He will start with Ben Hunt in the halves, with Benji Marshall going back to the bench and Kodi Nikorima dropping out of the 17. 

 Asked if it was a risk to bring Milford back earlier than expected, coach Wayne Bennett said no extra damage could be caused to his shoulder as it already requires surgery at season's end. 

Milford left the field eight minutes from full-time after landing awkwardly in an attempt to dive on a loose ball.

The 22-year-old immediately clutched at his left shoulder, with trainers rushing to his aid and escorting him to the dressing sheds. 

The 22-year-old appeared to bobble a pass on the ground before he stepped off his right foot and coolly slotted the one-pointer with his left boot to give his side a pulsating 25-24 win at ANZ Stadium. 

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire questioned the 78th-minute incident, but Milford said it was a fair play. 

The 22-year-old Broncos star represented Samoa at the last World Cup and told the Courier Mail he was available to face England in May.

International eligibility laws were relaxed last year, allowing eligible players to nominate both a tier one and tier two nation to represent, with no stand-down periods and the ability to switch multiple times.

Milford is free to play for Samoa if he's overlooked by Australia and could even play for both this year, as well as the Queensland State of Origin team.

Toa Samoa coach Matt Parish told Fox Sports he will pick Milford for their 7th May test against Tonga in Parramatta if he is overlooked by Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga for their one-off clash with New Zealand next month.

Milford played for Samoa at the 2013 World Cup but switched his allegiances the following year in a bid to be eligible for State of Origin.