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.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Hahahaha. Big night in Key Lago night club! You almost had a Barry
The Barry
Roar Guru
I always had a bit of empathy for Nate Myles' hotel incident. I was staying at the Holiday Inn at Terrigal (free plug) in the early 90s. I'd had a big session in the sauce through the afternoon and into the evening. At some stage in the middle of the night I woke desperate for the big. The strange room was absolutely pitch black to the point I couldn't see my hand in front of my face. I stumbled around in the darkness for five mins until I found the door with light coming through from underneath. Thank good. I ripped the bathroom door open as my bowels spasmed and stepped out into the dazzlingly lit corridor completely starkers. Fortunately I was able to hold the door before it clicked shut behind me. A second later and I'd have been in the exact same situation as Myles. It's good we can laugh about it now.
Numbers Man
Guest
I wonder to what extent Myles had influence on DCE staying at Manly. I think the Titans are probably pretty dirty about it all
david webb
Guest
Yeah greg bird is a great bloke he glassed a woman in the face and said it was his mate yeah he's a really good bloke I wished I had mates like him
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Nice read Mary. My opinion of Nate changed for the better in early May this year. Funny how that can happen :)
JohnnoMcJohnno
Roar Rookie
I like Nate and I Greg Bird and Dave Taylor as well, two blokes giving their all to the game.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Yeah I don't know is Tessa gave him acting tips but he was a scene stealer in that one. Great comic timing. Much like Lebrons surprising turn in Trainwreck
curaeus
Guest
Totally agree. Nate is exactly the kind of person you'd want to back you up in a crisis. Football wise, Manly have a real winner for 2016
Maroon Blood
Guest
Two things that stick in my mind when it comes to Nate Myles that indicated to me there is more to him than the tawdry rubbish spun by News Ltd over the hotel issue and accusations of grubby tactics: 1. The mischievous grin on his face after removing a handful of James Graham's "anti-tackling" grease and rubbing it (literally) in his face 2. The ad where him and Paul Gallen are having an awkward conversation in a carpark. His dead-pan comedic turn was classic. Always liked the bloke..........shame I will HAVE to hate him next year wearing THAT jersey!
Surely
Guest
Excactly. The problem was people judging him for that unfortunate incident. I remember arguing with people who didnt believe his story, instead choosing to believe he did it on purpose as a drunken party trick or something.
Cathar Treize
Roar Guru
Well, its amazing how an accident of nature after being accidently being locked out of your room, and the need to go NOW, can turn into a typical awful tabloid story.
Kirk
Guest
nate is very articulate and well spoken too, which i guess us something refreshing in League
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Peeko! No one picks Nate for fantasy. It's like Locky. Good player on field, terrible supercoach player
peeeko
Roar Guru
how about his performance in my fantasy team this year- terrible :)
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Yeah. I always had no time for him. But he seems like a real nice guy. I've grown a soft spot for him in the last 2-3yrs