"I had a bit of a scare in training. It felt like the way it popped out [last year]. It didn't go back out this time. The strength and conditioning coaches are doing everything they can," Milford said.

"[Head of performance] Paul Devlin has looked after me really well in getting the strength back into it. It's not quite 100 per cent but it's near there."

Milford was given a five-month recovering window following a Latarjet procedure on his shoulder, which involves removing a piece of bone from one part of the shoulder and attaching it to the front of the socket, which essentially acts as a physical barrier to help eliminate further separations.

It stood up to this early test and Brisbane are hopeful it can take further punishment throughout the year. Seibold has been intent on getting Milford fit and firing, with the five-eighth already shedding significant weight as he prepares to take the field for the first time in 2019.

"I'm feeling a lot fitter. Only time will tell. I can only do my best and that's what I'm trying to do," Milford said.

Seibold has been urging Milford and halves partner Kodi Nikorima to increase their game management and IQ while retaining their attacking prowess and ability to react in open play.

"Just more education on how to read a game ... it's all little stuff that can effect the outcome of a game. It's another learning curve for myself and Kodi as well. I'm enjoying it."