Anthony Milford deal suggests a Knight shift in policy

That's the question Knights fans might feel entitled to ponder after the NRL finally confirmed what Newcastle officials were apparently incapable of discussing all last week - the ex-Brisbane utility back has signed to appear in the blue and red this season.

Once, that is, he has completed a suspension until round 11 and undertaken a mandatory "series of personal development and tailored rehabilitation programs and ongoing assessments", to use the NRL's words.

Assault charges against Milford may have been dismissed in Brisbane Magistrates Court last week, but an all-clear from the NRL integrity unit is another matter.

In a media release issued on Saturday, the governing body declared: "The NRL's review has included a consideration of agreed facts tendered in the [court] proceedings, which included that Milford acted in an offensive manner and twice pushed a woman backwards during an incident on a Brisbane street on September, 20, 2021 ... the agreed facts state that Milford's actions caused the woman to fall and hit her head on concrete.

"These are matters which are naturally of serious concern to the NRL."

The statement added: "The NRL has zero tolerance for any form of violence involving women and will always take serious action in relation to such incidents."

That the Knights have proceeded to sign Milford, knowing all this, comes as some surprise, given their attitude towards Lodge last season, when the Broncos were eager to offload the controversial prop.

Newcastle were initially interested before a backlash from fans, some of whom threatened to tear up their season tickets if Lodge joined the club, prompted an about-face.

As Knights CEO Phil Gardner said at the time: "As with any potential new player, we have to consider all the implications around it and what it means for the club. Part of that is always weighing up the very strong opinions of a lot of people ... some of the comments to me were why bring anyone in that might damage that, even if it's only perception and they are not considered a risk in the future.

"Does it damage what you're trying to build and does it damage the brand? I think there is some truth in all of that."

Lodge, of course, gained notoriety several years ago for a drunken rampage in New York that terrorised a young family.

Just as disturbing as that incident - although perhaps not as widely publicised - was Lodge's arrest in 2015 for eight domestic violence-related offences involving his former girlfriend.

He subsequently pleaded guilty to one charge of common assault and was sentenced to a two-year good behaviour bond without a conviction being recorded.

Since being readmitted to the NRL, after a three-year exile, Lodge has strung together five seasons without further indiscretion.

Having sworn of alcohol, he is now by all accounts a dedicated family man and reformed character.

The Knights knew this, yet still were apparently not willing to gamble on signing him.

Less than 12 months down the track, they clearly have taken a different view with regards to Milford.

In fairness to Milford, the incident that led to his arrest was out of character and, according to one report I read, he was reacting to a drunken woman who blew a vape in his face and then "tripped over her own feet".

Nonetheless, it should be noted that Lodge was considered rehabilitated when the Knights decided he was not the type of person they wanted representing the club.

Milford is yet to jump through those particular hoops.

Moreover, given that he will not be allowed to play until round 11 and is set to join the Dolphins next season, some might query if he is really worth the angst.

The Knights, it seems, are less inclined to be fussy.