It allows the Raiders to rid themselves of the constant headlines and questions about the future of one of their brightest talents. Milford's departure will free up money that can go towards St George Illawarra Dragons forward Joel Thompson, but the Raiders are unlikely to be in the market for Bulldogs hooker Michael Ennis, who has been strongly linked to the Sharks.

Milford was the Raiders' player of the year last season and was earmarked as their long-term option at either fullback, where he has played this season, or at five-eighth, where he is most likely going to play at the Broncos.

The Raiders had also moved his parents to Canberra this year in a bid to help him overcome his homesickness, and lobbied third-party sponsors in helping put together a lucrative package reported to be close to $1 million a season.

Raiders chief executive Don Furner said it was disappointing to lose a player of Milford's calibre, and that the club did its best to present him with an attractive offer to stay.

In a short statement released by the Raiders, the 19-year-old said he had agonised over the choice, but didn't elaborate on his reasons for joining the Broncos.