Roos call-up stalls Myles’ NRL talks

A “surprise” Kangaroos call-up has stalled Gold Coast captain Nate Myles’ scheduled talks with rival NRL clubs this week.

Myles admits his inclusion in the Australian 17 for Friday night’s trans-Tasman Test in Brisbane will boost his stocks as he mulls over his NRL future.

But the bruising forward says he is no closer to making a decision after calling off talks with up to five rival clubs thanks to an unexpected Kangaroos nod.

It is believed the off-contract Myles had hoped to start the week by speaking with the Titans, who are yet to table an offer before a round of talks with rivals including alleged front-runners Penrith.

“It has changed things for sure,” Myles said when the Kangaroos assembled in Brisbane on Monday.

“Professionalism kicks in at this time of the year at these camps.

“You only have one opportunity this year to don this jersey, so I will just be focusing on Friday night.”

Titans coach Neil Henry has expressed his desire to keep Myles but there are genuine fears they could lose their skipper after the Gold Coast opted not to activate a one-year option on his current contract, reportedly worth more than $500,000.

Asked if he wanted to stay at the Gold Coast, Myles said: “My focus is playing rugby league this week – I haven’t made a decision.”

Myles was one of 10 changes to the Australian team that lost the 2014 Four Nations final to New Zealand, thanks to stirring form for a resurgent Gold Coast (7th; 4-4 record).

“Hopefully this selection does make things easier (during contract talks) but that’s at the back of my mind at the moment,” he said.

“I was a surprise (to make Test team). There are a lot of good forwards running around at the moment.

“It was a little bit nervewracking before I got it. But winning NRL games does help.”

Myles enters a Kangaroos squad that boasts another player deemed worthy to play for their country but is yet to decide his NRL future – Broncos hard man Sam Thaiday.

Like Myles, Thaiday is in a standoff with his club Brisbane after Broncos coach Wayne Bennett stalled contract talks at the start of the year in order to monitor the forward’s form.

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