Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett has warned Anthony Milford to be prepared for more roughhouse tactics from opponents after Cronulla snuffed out the threat of the the in-form playmaker in Sunday’s 30-28 win at Shark Park.

Bennett said he’s noticed what was happening and that it was something of a compliment to the youngster.

“We had the same last week with South Sydney so he is going to have to get used to it,” Bennett said.

“He will come through it.

“It is about how good you are. If you were not that good they wouldn’t bother.”

Sharks coach Shane Flanagan admitted Milford was targeted after the victory lifted his side to a 7-2 record and equal first place on the NRL ladder alongside the Broncos, North Queensland and Melbourne as the competition breaks for the representative round.

“We know he is a quality player and credit to the team we defended him really well,” Flanagan said.

“He got a few bumps and bruises on him early but he will bounce back.”