NSW won't allow Nate Myles' underwhelming NRL form to lull them into a false sense of security ahead of the State of Origin opener.
Myles has been heavily criticised for his efforts since joining Manly as a marquee signing this season. Queensland, not for the first time, have been loyal to Myles rather than selecting on form.
But the 29-match Origin veteran, who has been a key figure in the Maroons' decade of dominance following his interstate debut in 2006, has taken poor form into Origin before only to lift for his state.
NSW enforcer Greg Bird won't be underestimating his former Gold Coast teammate in Myles, who won Origin's man of the series award last year.
"He deserves to be there, you have seen in previous years he might not be in the best club form but it comes out last year and got player of the series," Bird said.
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"He is an Origin player, it doesn't get tossed around that much but Mylesy definitely is one. That's why he has played so many games for Queensland through the best era they have ever had.
"I think he should have been one of the first picked."
Bird missed last year's entire Origin series through suspension and brings an aggressive edge to the NSW side that was missing at times during 2016.
Backrower Josh Jackson said he was keen to play alongside Bird in the NSW side for the first time.
"He is always an asset to have in your team," Jackson said.
"I haven't played an Origin game with him but his experience and his aggressive nature will be really good for us."
