ANTHONY Milford is set to be named in the Maroons’ extended squad for Origin I after being advised to quit Samoa for the sake of his Queensland career.

In a blow for the credibility of international football, Milford has snubbed an official Four Nations qualifier against Fiji to represent a Maroons junior representative side.

Milford will today be named in Queensland’s under-20s team to face NSW this Saturday night in Penrith.

The under-20s Origin match will be the curtain-raiser to the Fiji-Samoa showdown — a senior international fixture in which Milford initially wanted to play.

News_Image_File: Raiders fullback Anthony Milford is set to be named in the Maroons’ extended squad.

But when Raiders coach Ricky Stuart last week ordered Milford to withdraw to rest a knee injury, his Four Nations dream was dead.

Days later, Stuart, having spoken to Maroons coach Mal Meninga, suddenly backflipped to allow Milford to wear Maroon.

Samoan officials are seething, believing the stance makes a mockery of the Four Nations at a time when the ARL Commission is trying to foster international football.

Under eligibility laws, Milford can play for Samoa, then renounce ties to represent Queensland. But with the Broncos-bound sensation in line to be named 18th man for Origin I on May 28, it is clear Maroons hierarchy want Milford’s undivided loyalty.

News_Rich_Media: Queensland great Steve Renouf believes New South Wales have the edge heading into next month's Origin opener.

Maroons under-20s coach Kevin Walters yesterday defended suggestions Queensland are undermining the Four Nations, saying Milford could play Origin this season.

“It was a decision that was taken out of his hands really. If he wants to play Origin, he has to play in this under-20s game,” Walters said.

“It’s an awkward situation and I do feel for Samoa, but a decision has been made that he’ll be playing for the Queensland under-20s.

“Anthony is a big part of Queensland’s plans and depending on form and injuries, he could be in the Origin team this season.

“No one is forcing him to play in it (under-20s game), but I think this the right pathway for Anthony.

News_Image_File: Canberra’s Anthony Milford makes a break against the Storm.

“He’s born in Queensland and is a proud Queenslander. He’s got some unfinished business, he played in the under-20s last year and we got beaten, so I know he’s looking to rectify that situation.”

Meninga played a role in the composition of the Maroons under-20s side but Milford’s manager Sam Ayoub insists the young gun has not been brainwashed.

“It was a hard decision for Anthony to turn down Samoa,” Ayoub said.

“Players who have dual eligibility are in a no-win situation because critics will have this perception that Anthony has turned his back on his country of heritage.

“But from a career point of view, what is more important to Anthony?

“The individual has to look at what’s best for their career. Anthony is a Queenslander and has always had a goal to play State of Origin.”