A more assertive Anthony Milford will clash with Daly Cherry-Evans on Saturday with a Queensland State of Origin berth possibly at stake.
Both are in the mix to replace champion playmaker Johnathan Thurston should the shoulder injury he suffered in Australia's Test win over New Zealand rule him out of the Origin opener on May 31.
It makes for a fascinating match up when Milford's Brisbane team host Cherry-Evans' Manly in the NRL double-header at Suncorp Stadium.
Broncos' teammates say 22-year-old Milford has become a more dominant and talkative player in the injury-enforced absence of halfback Ben Hunt.
"He's had to be, with Kodi (Nikorima) coming in fresh, not having played halfback for a fair while now," said Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough on Monday.
"Anthony's got a pretty simple game plan, he doesn't have to direct the team a whole lot, but he's definitely been a lot more verbal out there."
McCullough had no doubt Milford would handle the occasion if called up by Queensland coach Kevin Walters.
But he warned Milford still had work to do at NRL level to prove he deserved it.
"Anthony needs to perform every week - not just against Daly this weekend but for the next month or so. Good form against quality halves each week is what he needs to do," McCullough said.
"He's been around a while now, he's played in some big games.
"He's a quality player but there's a few things in Anthony's game he knows he needs to work on to be up there in State of Origin calculations.
"If he gets that right, the rest will take care of itself.
"He's obviously a tremendous player but it's up to Kevie (Walters) and their coaching staff (to figure out) what fits their team, or if they think he can fit in."
Milford is believed to have signed a new contract with the Broncos after turning down an approach from Melbourne.
After being ruled out for the past month with a hamstring injury, Hunt moved well at training on Monday and could face Manly this weekend but Brisbane may opt to play safe with him.
"You've just got to be a bit cautious with hammys. You think you're going pretty well sometimes but they can pull you back pretty quickly. They're taking their time with Ben," McCullough said.
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