12 Apr 2009

Meninga warns he wants no nonsense from league players

12:10 pm on 12 April 2009

Sick of rugby league's off-field controversies, Queensland league coach Mal Meninga has warned Maroons hopefuls they won't be picked if their "attitude" isn't right - no matter who they are.

Despite gunning for an unprecedented fourth straight Origin series wins, Meninga said he would have no hesitation in putting a line through a player's name if he "buggers up" off field - even if it was key player Cameron Smith.

While not singling out the Melbourne hooker, Meninga used Smith's name as an example of the calibre of player he was willing to ignore to ram home his point.

Meninga said he was so happy with the Maroons' depth that he was willing to overlook their superstars if their off-field behaviour was not up to scratch.

Meninga's message would be a wake-up call for incumbent Maroons forward Nate Myles who was recently dumped to NSW Cup for breaching his Sydney Roosters club's drinking policy.

It's not Myles' first alcohol-related indiscretion at the club. Meninga ordered a private meeting with Myles after he turned up to a club training session intoxicated in 2007.