Wests Tigers could make an immediate play for Anthony Milford, if Brisbane are prepared to release their marquee man, as the joint-venture outfit looks to spend a $1.7 million war chest.

And across the Tasman, the Warriors are preparing a $3.5 million offer to a teenager who has played just five NRL games as silly season begins in the transfer market.

Within just a few weeks, the Tigers have gone from being cash-strapped to a major force in the chase for talent after the medical retirement of Ben Matulino and the departures of Esan Marsters and Ryan Matterson. They could have even more space in their salary cap if Chris McQueen accepts an offer to finish his career in England.

Anthony Milford is on the Tigers' radar. Credit:AAP

Tigers officials don’t want to repeat mistakes by paying ‘overs’ for players past their best. They have drawn up a list of targets, including Dragons Luciano Leilua and Zac Lomax and Titans duo AJ Brimson and Jai Arrow. However, the biggest name on the list is Milford. The Brisbane star is contracted until the end of 2020, with an option in the playmaker’s favour. However, Milford hasn’t consistently lived up to his $1 million-a-season tag and the Broncos may consider shedding players to retain in-demand forward David Fifita.