Gene Miles Reveals Personal Cost of State of Origin’s Toughest Omission
Story by Fox Sports.
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FORMER ORIGIN great and now selectors chairman Gene Miles has opened up about the personal pain he suffered in the wake of Queensland’s huge loss in game one in Brisbane.
His decision, along with fellow selector Darren Lockyer and coach Kevin Walters, to controversially omit champion fullback Billy Slater yet remain loyal to other players, whipped up a storm of protest from angry fans.
There was no place for the trio to hide after an Andrew Fifita-inspired NSW tore Queensland apart with their biggest victory ever at Suncorp Stadium.
This week, a candid Miles — who played 23 games for Queensland and first became a selector in 2001 at the urgings of Wayne Bennett — spoke to foxsports.com.au about the agonising task of picking the side for the opening game and the personal pain and abuse which followed Queensland’s crushing loss.
“We copped a truckload of criticism,” Miles said.
“It hurt. I take it personally. I think I am a nice, easy going guy.
“I know most of the critics are keyboard warriors with little better to do, but it does get to you.”
The vitriol even extended to Miles copping some verbal stick in public.
“I just laughed it off, but it hurts,” he confessed.