Still some Myles left in Origin warhorse

A DEFIANT Nate Myles insists he is not a spent force at Origin level amid calls for the Queensland warhorse to be axed in favour of a new wave of young Maroons forwards.

The Cairns Post understands Myles will be retained for Origin I as Maroons coach Kevin Walters looks for a senior enforcer to step up for injured prop Matt Scott.

The Cairns product turns 32 next month and is fighting to retain his Maroons jumper after being axed to the bench at Manly, where he is averaging just 36 minutes a game this season.

In nine matches, Myles has averaged just 86 running metres a game – well shy of the 150m-plus expected of the NRL’s elite front-rowers.

But Myles, speaking about his Origin selection hopes for the first time, is adamant he can lift and spearhead Queensland’s quest for an 11th series win in 12 years.

A veteran of 31 Origin matches, Myles will surpass the great Wally Lewis and join Maroons icon Mal Meninga if selected for his 32nd game in the series opener on May 31.

“I always hope to be there – I know I can do the job,” Myles said. “Losing Matt Scott from any side is a huge loss.

“There is no one who can ever cover for Scott, but the exciting thing for Queensland is there’s a lot of great young front-rowers coming through.

“I’d like to think I can be there to help them out. There is enough experience in the Queensland team to keep the side moving forward.”

Maroons legend Gorden Tallis has led the push for generational change but Myles, a member of Queensland’s dynasty since 2006, is set to avoid the axe.

Walters is keen to blood Dylan Napa in his starting front row in Origin I and he plans to partner the Maroons’ young buck with Queensland’s old bull.

“I would never discount Nate because of his experience – he has been there and done it over 30 Origin games,” Walters said.

“The fact he has been on the bench (for Manly) doesn’t worry me so much, I’m OK with that. What’s more important this year is his form. I actually reckon Nate is playing better this year than he was this time last year.”