ANTHONY Milford will make his first appearance in the NRMA Insurance Broncos’ jersey at the Auckland Nines next weekend.

Off-season buy Milford was named in an 18-man squad today that will be captained by hooker Andrew McCullough at the tournament that starts on Saturday January 31.

McCullough will lead a squad filled with a mixture of age and youth.

Veteran Todd Lowrie, Alex Glenn and James Gavet will give experience up front, while Milford, Lachlan Maranta and English recruit Greg Eden will provide the zip out wide.

Excitement machine Kodi Nikorima, who lit up the tournament last year, will be joined by his younger brother Jayden and a host of under-20s grand finalists from 2014 that have graduated to the NRL squad.

These include props Joe Ofahengaue and Frank Molo, back rower Ajuma Adams, and outside backs Tom Opacic and Elijah Alick.

Aaron Whitchurch returns to the Broncos side after playing NRL back in 2013, while Queensland Cup half Darren Nicholls and hooker Matt Parcell have gained a spot after impressing in pre-season training.

Former Newcastle player Joe Boyce also gets a chance to show his wares.

The Broncos’ six Four Nations representatives were not considered after only returning to training a fortnight ago, while Jack Reed, Dale Copley, Matt Gillett, David Stagg, Corey Oates and Jarrod Wallace are all unavailable as they return from shoulder reconstructions.

Those six will not play until at least the final trial weekend, which will be late February.

Darius Boyd is also out until mid season with his Achilles’ tendon tear, while Justin Hodges was considered too much of a risk to play as many as six games in two days.

Hodges has had two Achilles’ ruptures in the past four seasons.

“The Broncos have supported the Auckland Nines concept and will always do so,” said coach Wayne Bennett.

“Our situation is we had six players in the Four Nations tournament that only just returned to training and can’t be considered for selection.

“And we have six players returning from shoulder reconstructions plus another one, Darius, with an Achilles’ tendon tear.

“The six players in shoulder rehabilitation will not be going to England for the World Club series game against Wigan.

“They will play some limited time in a trial match that weekend against Redcliffe.

“In addition Justin Hodges and Jordan Kahu have a long history of leg injuries and run a high risk of injury in that format.

“Thankfully we are still able to put a lot of talent into our squad, which includes players that are going to be part of this NRL team for many years to come.

“The Broncos are looking forward to going over there and progressing as far as we can.”

The squad will leave for the tournament on January 29.

Grab one of our limited edition Broncos' Auckland Nines jerseys now - before they sell out! Click here to see them....

BRONCOS AUCKLAND NINES SQUAD

Andrew McCullough (captain)

Ajuma Adams

Elijah Alick

Joe Boyce

Greg Eden

James Gavet

Alex Glenn

Todd Lowrie

Lachlan Maranta

Anthony Milford

Francis Molo

Darren Nicholls

Jayden Nikorima

Kodi Nikorima

Joe Ofahengaue

Tom Opacic

Matt Parcell

Aaron Whitchurch