Albert Kelly’s 2505-day exile ends tonight — and he could ‘unlock’ Brisbane’s biggest strength

For the first time in 2505 days, Albert Kelly will run out in the NRL although it is unclear just how long he will last.

Kelly replaces Anthony Milford to partner Tyson Gamble against the Roosters on Saturday night in what is Brisbane’s sixth halves combination.

The 30-year old last played in first-grade seven years ago but has impressed for the Souths Logan Magpies in the Intrust Super Cup, with incredible numbers that became just too hard for Walters to ignore.

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Albert Kelly makes his NRL return on Saturday. Photographer: Liam Kidston.Source: News Corp Australia

Kelly has scored four tries, set up 12 and averaged 90 run metres from just six games.

“Alby forced his way in with his form in the Intrust Super Cup and when you play like that you get rewarded with a spot in the first grade side,” Walters told media on Friday.

Fox League’s Paul Kent described Kelly earlier in the week as the “Anthony Milford of his time” and that rings true when you take into account the specific qualities he will bring to the side.

“Alby brings enthusiasm and all-round skills, he is a very flamboyant footballer and he players what he sees, which is what the modern game requires in those key positions,” he said.

“His short kicking game is very good as well which we hope to get some success from tomorrow night.”

Kelly though says he is a different player to the one that last ran out in the NRL for the Titans, learning key skills over in England that make him a more well-rounded player.

He said it could “unlock” Brisbane’s young core, which is the club’s greatest strength.

“In my early years I was more of an erratic, attacking player. I learnt a lot about game management and patience in England, things I wasn’t good at,” he told the Courier Mail.

“To add that to my arsenal and come back and mix it with these young kids has really helped. My attributes can help unlock their confidence which is a big thing for such a young squad.

“There will be a fresh new Kelly out there.”

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Milford also has long been considered an off-the-cuff style five-eighth who plays what is in front of him but he now finds himself once more on the outer, replaced by Kelly.

Off-contract at the end of the year, Milford’s latest axing was seen as proof his time at the club is over but Walters says otherwise.

“It’s up to Anthony. He makes that decision, not me,” Walters said.

“I keep saying that every week.

“Anthony has control of his career not the Broncos or this football club.”

It remains to be seen whether Kelly will be their short-term solution but Kent told NRL 360 earlier in the week that it is “bittersweet” he lines up against the “saviour” Brisbane let go.

“It’s been seven years since Kelly played NRL and to be fair he came into the NRL with a bang and never quite delivered, he was the Anthony Milford of his time,” he said.

“Hugely skilful but never quite got there, he’s expected to come back after seven years out of the NRL to a game that’s much quicker against the Roosters.

“How bittersweet is this weekend going to be for the Broncos when they run out Albert Kelly as their possible saviour and in the opposition is Sam Walker who they let go because they told him he was a fullback.”

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