Article by Eden Richards‌, NRL.com
Queensland prop Nate Myles has dismissed any suggestion that Game Three of the 2016 Holden State of Origin series will be his last match in a Maroon jersey.
The 31-year-old has been named in Queensland's squad for Origin III on July 13 after missing Game Two of the series with a knee injury that has sidelined him for the past three weeks.
The injury increased speculation that Myles's Origin career may be over, with the likes of Josh McGuire and Josh Papalii putting forward strong claims to start ahead of the 30-game Queensland veteran.
But injuries to Papalii and utility Michael Morgan have prevented Maroons coach Kevin Walters from having to make any tough decisions in regards to Queensland's line-up, and Myles says he has no plans to retire from Origin after Game Three in Sydney.
"I treat every game as if it's my last," Myles said.
"There's no doubt that Queensland's in a fantastic position at the moment. We're winning and there are a lot of fantastic young fellas coming through.
"The older guys are under pressure because of how good this next generation is and I enjoy that.
"A lot of stories get put out about us older guys and everyone's entitled to their opinion but a lot of it is rubbish.
"It's fantastic that us older guys are under pressure because it means we are in such a good position as a squad depth wise.
"Kevin's come in and taken over, and he's done a great job since taking over from Mal [Meninga].
"I am not saying this is my last Origin. I am contracted for two years after this so there is no time frame."
Myles may have been named in Queensland's squad on Monday, but he is no certainty to play with the Sea Eagles star admitting he was still not at 100 per cent after having surgery on his knee barely three weeks ago.
The experienced Queenslander will continue his rehab in the coming days and he hopes to make a decision as soon as possible.
"There's a bit of work to do but it's on the mend now. I'm only three weeks out of surgery," he said.
"As long as I do everything right I should be OK to play and I'll know pretty early into camp if I'll be good to play.
"I'll run again very soon and it feels better each time I run so I'll try and do as much of that as I can.
"I haven't been given a deadline, but I am not going to stuff around because the team deserves better than that."
Game Three will be Blues captain Paul Gallen's last game for New South Wales, with the 34-year-old being given a farewell in what will be his 24th game for his state.
But the same luxury hasn't been given to Greg Bird, with the 17-game Blues veteran axed ahead of Game Three.
It's likely that Bird's Origin career is now over, and Myles hit out at the treatment of his close mate.
"I don't agree at all with the treatment of Greg Bird because I think he's been New South Wales' most respected player throughout the last five or so years," he said.
"I totally think it's the wrong call because he's a good friend of mine."
Article first appeared on NRL.com
