‘Aren’t good enough’: Qld coach Nate Myles doubles down on four-word sledge

Queensland assistant Nate Myles opened up on his vicious Joseph Sua'ali'i sledge with a withering assessment of the ugly act.

Nate Myles wasn’t happy with Joseph Sua'ali'i. Photo: Channel 9

One thing the footy world knows about Nate Myles — he doesn’t back down.

The 32-game Origin great always seemed to grow a new leg when he pulled on a Maroons jersey but has proven he hasn’t changed when it comes to pulling on a Queensland tracksuit as an assistant coach.

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Myles, along with the rest of Queensland, was fuming during Wednesday night’s Origin opener when after just seven minutes, Blues debutant Joseph Sua'ali'i knocked Reece Walsh out in an ugly shot.

Although there was some debate about whether it was as bad as it seemed — some, including Fox League commentator Andrew Voss, questioned if Walsh was even hit in the head despite appearing to be unconscious for several minutes — most people tended to agree the send off was justified.

If bunker told ref there was contact with head, I agree it's a send off. But am I the only one who's yet to see any direct contact with head? Massive whiplash effect but that normally comes from contact high up on sternum & that still causes concussion. Happy to be proven wrong.

— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) June 5, 2024

Ultimately it was the big moment of the match as the Maroons romped to a 38-10 thumping.

But Queensland assistant coach Myles was clearly still seeing red, giving Sua'ali'i both barrels as he was leaving the field.

The Daily Telegraph reported Myles said: “Enjoy your f**king debut.”

It also led to an NRL official stepping in to warn Myles.

While the NRL spoke to Myles about the incident, he avoided punishment for the sledge.

It didn’t stop him from taking another shot after the game however.

The Daily Telegraph reported Myles doubled down on the swipe to reporters, although he didn’t confirm what he’d said in the heat of battle, grinning as he said: “I can’t remember … I’ve had too many head knocks.”

“He got it wrong and it’s unfortunate, it’s not a good look for the game,” Myles said.

“If you aren’t good enough to be able to fire that every time, you have to control it.

“Controlled aggression is key now. Controlled aggression isn’t hitting the right spot every time, it’s what you do on every play.

“A good side sticks to their tactics and doesn’t get it wrong.

“That play on Reece out the back, they didn’t get it right and it’s an unfortunate look for the game.”

Post-match, there were accusations from Maroons legend Johnathan Thurston that the Blues had targeted Walsh in the opening minutes.

Blues coach Michael Maguire denied it was a plan, calling it “just an unfortunate tackle”.

“He (Sua'ali'i) is a young player and he was just trying, he was out there trying … he’s a really good human being, so we’ll look after him,” Maguire said.

“He was feeling pretty rough after the game as you’d expect.”

NSW's Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i had no excuses. Picture: Fox Sports

Sua'ali'i's Origin debut was a nightmare. Picture: NRL Photos

While the Queenslanders were clearly still seething, Myles said he didn’t think Walsh needed more protection.

“No, no-one needs protecting, it’s rugby league, but there’s rules in place,” he said.

“We want the game to prosper, it’s going terrific, but we have to look after players and keep them on the field.

“I don’t move as fast as Sua'ali'i, but it happened and it’s not good.

“When he (Walsh) came back to the bench, I knew he was OK, but there’s a safety protocol and there’s a reason why guys don’t play back-to-back games anymore.

“It would have been good to see a young man like Reece go at the game.”

Sua'ali'i is facing a four-match ban with an early plea for the hit, which could be five matches if he fights and loses at the judiciary.

The 20-year-old Roosters centre took to Instagram, writing: “Mixed emotions. Disappointed let my brothers, fam n state down. Blessed and honoured to put the blue jersey on. #311.

“Onto the next.”