NATE Myles has called on his fellow Queensland forwards to lift in Origin II to help keep the series alive.
Southern Suburbs product Myles was voted the Maroons' best in Game I last month but the accolade meant little when coupled with a Queensland loss.
Myles said the forwards must play a leading role to help Queensland win next Wednesday after a lacklustre effort in the opener.
"I think as a whole everyone needs to lift but I think the forwards definitely have to lift," he said.
"The backs definitely struggled without room." Myles also admitted the pack needed to do a better job in creating space for them.
"We've got to rise for this. If we’re not going to rise for our own crowd we're not doing a good job," he said.
Myles was again named on the bench for Game II but refuses to complain about his role.
"I'm just happy to be in the 17," he said. "Obviously I'd like to start but when you're playing front row and there's names like Petero Civoniceva and Steve Price in the side, you know where you’re starting."
Under the new interchange rules, Myles will get plenty of time on the ground.
Now in his third Origin series, Myles said he had noticed a distinct difference in Game I compared to series played under the old 12-interchange rule.
"I think it's slowed down to be honest," he said.
"Those two (missing) interchanges make a difference.
"But it’s still the hardest football I've played."
Myles was one of three Far Northern products named in the side along with lock Dallas Johnson and Billy Slater.



