Anthony Milford‘s return to the NRL looks likely to be cut short after the halfback was hit with a two game ban for a shot on Broncos fullback Reece Walsh.

Milford hit Walsh on suspicion, with the ball never anywhere near the Brisbane player, leading the judiciary to slap him with two weeks if he takes the Early Guilty Plea.

That leaves Wayne Bennett in serious strife, as his team also lost Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to a hamstring injury and his replacement at the back, Kodi Nikorima, to a calf issue late in the game.

The Phins take on Parramatta next Friday night and will be down to the bare bones in the playmaker department.

Jordan Riki was the only other charge from the Battle of Brisbane: he was fined for a high shot on Jack Bostock but will be free to play next week.

In the early game, Ryan Papenhuyzen escaped a charge for a hip-drop on Josh Addo-Carr, copping a $750 fine instead.

Also considering himself lucky is Sam Hughes, who was cited for a second week running for a head slam. Despite being binned at the time, he will not face any time off the field.

Alec MacDonald and Reimis Smith were also fined but not suspended.