FORMER Brisbane Broncos enigma Anthony Milford could be on his way to the Newcastle Knights after assault charges against him were dropped in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday.
Milford has been in limbo since he was arrested about 2am on September 20 after police responded to reports of a disturbance in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley.
He was originally charged with three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of wilful damage.
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The 27-year-old admitted breaking a car window by throwing a wheelie bin and pleaded guilty to one count each of public nuisance and wilful damage.
The assault charges were dismissed after prosecutors said they could offer no evidence.
Magistrate Robbie Davies ordered Milford to pay compensation of $2371 to cover car-damage repairs and placed him on a two-year good-behaviour bond.
No conviction was recorded.
Milford had effectively been released by the Broncos at the time of the incident and was expected to join South Sydney.
The NRL, however, refused to register any contract until Milford had appeared in court, and Souths reportedly baulked at paying him until he had been cleared to play.
During his time in purgatory, the Knights are understood to have contacted Milford about joining them for the rest of this season.
He is expected to link with former Broncos mentor Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins next year.
It is understood the NRL will now consider registering a contract for Milford, opening the door for Newcastle to potentially sign him, providing there is no contractual dispute with Souths.
With incumbent No.7 Adam Clune likely to miss at least one game because of a knee injury, Milford's arrival would provide Knights coach Adam O'Brien with another highly experienced playmaking option.
How long before he is ready to play is another matter altogether.
His last NRL appearance for the Broncos was on September 4 last year, coincidentally in a 35-22 win against Newcastle, in which he scored a try and kicked a field goal.
It is unclear how much training he has been able to do while awaiting the outcome of his course case.
Milford's lawyer Dave Garratt said after emerging from court: "Anthony from the outset of this matter has maintained his innocence of any assault charges and today's result reflects that.
"He is remorseful for his other actions on that night. He is now looking forward to putting this matter behind him as it's put a large strain on him and his family and all parties involved."
