Canberra puts Anthony Milford's future on hold Canberra fullback Anthony Milford wants out of the national capital Source: Getty Images CANBERRA chief executive Don Furner says the club will wait until the end of the season before making a decision on the future of fullback Anthony Milford. Furner this morning confirmed Milford's manager Sam Ayoub had requested a release for his client from the final year of his contract so he can return to Brisbane to be closer to his family. It is understood the Broncos are lying in wait should Milford be granted a release by the Raiders. "We acknowledge that we received the request from Anthony's manager for a release from his current contract and out of respect for Anthony and his family we will wait until the season is over before discussing his future at the club," Furner said. We always treat welfare issues of our players seriously and we will meet with Anthony and his manager at the end of the year to avoid distraction as the team prepares for their remaining games of the season and a bid for the finals. We want Anthony with us here at the Raiders long term and we will be doing all we can to keep him at the club and Anthony's welfare is of the utmost importance to us. We have been in negotiations with Anthony to extend his deal and we will wait until the season is over to continue these negotiations. Milford has only played a handful of first grade games for the Raiders, all at fullback. However, he is viewed as a long-term half and is expected to wear the six or seven jersey at the Broncos. Brisbane has already told halves Peter Wallace and Scott Prince they are free to leave at the end of the season. Milford's contract includes a get-out clause related to the health of his family members - his father is ill. Canberra has taken legal advice and spoken to the NRL on the clause and believes it is well within its rights to keep Milford. As well as the Raiders star, the Broncos have been linked with Canterbury fullback Ben Barba, who is also under contract and would require a release from the Bulldogs. Barba has already said he may be forced to move to Brisbane at the end of the season if his ex-partner takes their children back to south-east Queensland.