Following the finalisation of Anthony Milford’s matter in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 11 April, the National Rugby League (NRL) is now in a position to complete its review of the outcomes of the criminal proceedings in which Milford pled guilty to one count of Public Nuisance and one count of Wilful Damage whilst three charges of Assault against members of the public were withdrawn.
The NRL’s review has included a consideration of agreed facts tendered in the proceedings which included that Milford acted in an offensive manner and twice pushed a woman backwards during an incident on a Brisbane street on 20 September, 2021.
On one of those occasions, the agreed facts state that Milford’s actions caused the woman to fall and hit her head on concrete. These are matters which are naturally of serious concern to the NRL.
The NRL did not consider Milford’s registration until the completion of the criminal proceedings and review of those outcomes, including the agreed evidence tendered in court.
Taking into account the time Milford has spent out of the game, his application for registration with the Newcastle Knights will now be registered on a conditional basis with mandatory requirements.
Milford’s eligibility to play in the Premiership will be conditional on him successfully completing a series of personal development and tailored rehabilitation programs and ongoing assessments with NRL Wellbeing & Education, including regular updates to the Integrity Unit about his progress.
Milford will be granted conditional registration to train with the Newcastle Knights while he completes these programs, but will not be permitted to play until the programs have been substantially completed, he has been assessed by an appropriate professional, and met with the NRL.
He will not be permitted to play before Round 11, providing 4 weeks for the relevant programs and assessment.
The NRL has zero tolerance for any form of violence involving women and will always take serious action in relation to such incidents.
The conditions placed on Milford’s registration take into account the serious nature of the incident and focus on the education and rehabilitation of Milford prior to him being allowed to compete in the Premiership.
