MAROONS LEGEND HERALDS MYLES AS ‘ ROCK OF THE TEAM’
FORMER Maroons warhorse Petero Civoniceva has claimed under- fire prop Nate Myles is as important to Queensland as superstar playmakers Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk.
Myles will suit up for his 32nd Maroons appearance in Origin I at Suncorp Stadium tonight under public pressure to perform.
The 31- year- old’s NRL form over the past two seasons for Manly has been inconsistent, however Maroons coach Kevin Walters had no hesitations in picking Myles to lead his engine room.
That is because Myles has never failed in the Origin cauldron.
He has only missed two games since debuting in the 2006 series and will be the second- most experienced player on the field behind Smith ( 39 Origins).
Myles has largely flown under the radar while the likes of Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston, Smith and Cronk have been hailed for their memorable moments during Queensland’s recent dominance.
But 33- Origin legend Civoniceva said Myles had played a crucial role in Queensland’s 10 series wins in 11 years. Dylan Napa ( on debut).
“He brings that Queensland toughness that’s been synonymous with the side.
“He brings a huge presence and has a tremendous amount of respect from the current players and those who have gone around with him.
“He’s never let anyone down when he’s pulled on a Queensland jumper. That’s why it’s important he plays in this series.”
Myles’ experience will be invaluable with Corey Parker ( retired) and Matt Scott ( knee) missing from Queensland’s starting pack.
He has been on a mod- ified training program in Camp Maroon after suffering a knee injury last weekend but is confident of firing on all cylinders on tonight.
“It did give me a fright,” he said of the knee clash with Titans captain Ryan James.
“It was the same way I damaged my knee last year ( and missed game two).
“Having an open knee joint when you’re running and hitting something is not a delightful feeling but it’s come through good.
“It’s feeling good. There is no structural damage.”