Anthony Milford has defended Brisbane halves partner Ben Hunt for his sluggish start to the new season. Milford kicked the winning field goal in the Broncos’ 21-20 win over North Queensland.

“Last year I had a real slow start to the year and we saw how that all finished off,” Milford told AAP.

“We were lucky enough to go as far from the grand final.

“I think he’s not too far away from having a big game and fingers crossed it’s this weekend.”

Milford thanked the coaching staff for his rise to superstardom and the summer slogs in the Brisbane heat.

“It comes down to the pre-seasons that I’ve been having here. They’ve really pushed me week in, week out in training sessions and things like that.

“And Benny Hunt and Darius Boyd help complete the player I am.

“I’m not getting too far ahead of myself, I just go out there to go and do a job for the boys, the Broncos and the fans.”