Jacob’s Origin change of pace

STATE OF ORIGIN

@obrien_GCB up against the Dragons we probably carried that baggage into that game.

“It has been a rough couple of weeks over at the Warriors so I guess (coming into Origin camp) takes your mind off that a little bit for a week or so.”

The country Queensland product nonetheless is confident the Warriors can hit their straps to resurrect their season.

Their first chance to get back on track comes on Saturday at home against a Brisbane outfit missing six Origin stars.

Lillyman is planning to watch the game with those Broncos representatives from within camp.

“It will be nerve-racking watching the boys play on Saturday night … it will probably be on in the team room there so we will have a look,” he said.

“There will be plenty of stick flying backwards and forwards.”

The 33-year-old will then on Wednesday night line up on the bench for his 14th Origin appearance.

With younger, more inform forwards such as Jarrod Wallace and Coen Hess waiting in the wings, Lillyman knows a “natural progression” is coming but for now he is desperate to repay the loyalty displayed by Maroons selectors.

“It can be a pretty daunting arena to go into and play so it probably helps having a bit of experience there now,” he said.