But he insists he is not putting any pressure on his good friend to follow his lead and backflip on a contract with a rival club.

Papalii urged the star fullback to put the wishes of his family and himself first as Canberra attempts to convince him to renege on his two-year Brisbane Broncos contract before the round 13 deadline.

Broncos operations chief Andrew Gee this week attacked the logic of the round 13 rule, calling for it to be scrapped and player contracts to be registered when they sign.

Milford's parents and younger brother have moved from Brisbane to Canberra this year to make him more comfortable, and the 19-year-old has been in scintillating form.

Papalii has left Milford to make up his own mind, but has noticed he is more upbeat since he was united with his parents.

"We haven't talked about it really. I'm not trying to push him to stay or go,'' Papalii said.

"I've sensed some emotion changes and he has been through a hard time, not having his parents down here.

"He's definitely settled down a bit.

"He's got a decision to make soon and it doesn't matter what decision he makes, the club is behind him.

"You've just got to make your family happy and the right choice for yourself before you think about other people.

"I'm 100 per cent behind Tony.''

Papalii said the fact his family had warmed to Canberra and his younger sisters were settled in school was the major factor in his decision to stay with the Raiders last year, despite signing a deal with Parramatta.

"I stayed even though it was a bigger offer at Parra. At the end of the day you have to look after your family and make the best choice,'' Papalii said.

"I had to look after my family and myself first before any club.''

Papalii is hoping to return from an ankle syndesmosis injury for Canberra's round six home clash against Newcastle.

If successful it would give him two games to press his claims to retain his Australia jersey for the May 2 Sydney Test against New Zealand.

"Hopefully I'll be back next week; I'm back running,'' he said.

"The Test match is coming up soon but it's not on my mind at the moment. It's all about the Raiders and trying to get back on the paddock.''

Queensland coach Mal Meninga confirmed on Monday that Milford could be a Maroons bolter this year, such has been his impact this season.

The 19-year-old would prove a dangerous strike weapon off the bench against tiring forwards, with new rule interpretations speeding up the game.

Papalii, who made his Maroons debut last year, backed Milford to also rise to the challenge should he be a shock selection.

"You can only find out if you chuck him onto the big stage, and I have no doubt he'd handle it pretty well,'' Papalii said.

"I have no doubt in Tony handling that kind of stage and he'll definitely be there in the future, this year or next year.

"He covers a lot of positions and he can defend as well. For a bloke his size, he can definitely look after himself.''