I’m only human and am as guilty as the next person for passing judgement and then holding a grudge.
Player behaviour is something I am extremely passionate about. It disappoints me that the actions of a small minority often tarnish the sport that I love, and that often all the good that the rugby league does is completely overshadowed by negative stories.
There is nothing more special than when a rugby league player changes my mind. It has happened on a number of occasions in the last couple of years.
For example, when I met Josh Reynolds for the first time I was instantly impressed with his commitment to his hundreds of young, adoring fans. Another good example is Jake Friend – one of the only true redemption stories I know of in the NRL. To see Jake shining so brightly as part of the Roosters’ leadership team is a testament to how hard he has worked to change his image over the years.
On Sunday night, my mind was changed about another player. From defecating in a hotel corridor to perceived grubby tactics on the field, Nate Myles has never been my favourite player.
I would be lying if I said that Nate was now one of my favourite players, but I was truly touched after watching an interview with him and his beautiful wife Tessa James on Sunday Night.
Tessa James was an aspiring Australian actress who was diagnosed at a very young age with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a disease from which her father was also suffering.
Tessa described her battle with the illness, detailing her chemotherapy treatment, how hard it was to lose her hair, and how at times she did not think she would pull though. There are thousands of Australians suffering with diseases like Tessa’s, and her story hit home how this can happen to absolutely anyone.
Throughout the interview Tessa had Nate by her side, and I was touched at how Nate was with his wife through her battle, describing her as tougher than a footballer. Nate has been with Tessa every step of the way through her treatment, and in a code which is often accused of poor behaviour in respect to women, these are the sort of stories we need to be sharing.
I see Nate Myles in a new light following Sunday night, as a caring and devoted husband who absolutely adores his beautiful wife. It was refreshing to see and I only hope more NRL players follow Nate’s example when it comes to their devotion to their families and friends.
The positive news is that Tessa is now cancer-free and looking towards the future. I wish her and Nate the very best of luck in their future together.
Thanks Nate, for changing my mind.
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