Being in the doghouse is something reformed NRL bad boy Nate Myles can unfortunately relate to.

So it only seems fitting that he credits his canine roommates for turning around not only his career but his life.

After earning a Queensland starting berth for next week's Origin opener in Sydney, Myles was quick to credit the most unlikely of life coaches for what can only be described as a rugby league resurrection.

Myles, 24, reckons keeping busy off the field has helped launch his representative comeback.

And buying an 11-month old Australian bulldog named "Snoop" (after rapper Snoop Dogg... geddit) has certainly ticked that box.

Throw in puppy-minding duties for another former controversial footballer - Sydney Roosters teammate Todd Carney - and it seems Myles has had no choice but to mend his once worrying ways.

"Before I just had too much time on my hands - when you are bored you can do some silly things," Myles told AAP.

"I bought a dog. He is pretty cool and takes up a lot of my time - he is a big help.

"And I am looking after one of Todd Carney's dogs, an American staffy pup, for another two weeks.

"It's about keeping busy off the field - I am not being the silly bloke any more."

The big grin that flashes on Myles' face when mentioning his pup is a complete contrast to the hulking backrower's mood barely a year ago.

And for good reason - Myles admitted he thought he would never play for his beloved Queensland again after what has now become an infamous incident at a NSW Central Coast hotel.

Just months after being warned by Maroons coach Mal Meninga that his off-field antics showed disrespect to the Queensland jumper, Myles' representative career really went from the penthouse to the outhouse last July.

These days Myles can only shake his head over the blurry events that unfolded at the hotel after voluntarily attending a junior rugby league function.

In the end, Myles became the first player banned from Origin for the off-field misdemeanour that left a big mess for the NRL - and staff from the Central Coast hotel - to clean up.

But a phone call from Meninga afterwards helped put Myles on the road to recovery - one that led him back into the Origin fold when the game one team was unveiled on Tuesday.

"I did think I would never play again (for Queensland) to be honest," Myles said.

"I was in a negative frame of mind, thinking things were against me.

"So when I did have that conversation with Mal it was very refreshing.

"But he and I knew I had to change some things.

"However, if you are taking those steps and your form's there I think Queensland will show faith in you - they don't cross your name out because you make mistakes.

"I think that is one of the reasons why Queensland has been successful.

"But if I had not got myself together by game one I don't think I would have made the side - Queensland don't make too many changes."

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