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Blues won't take first-time props lightly

NSW prop David Klemmer doesn't believe the Blues will have it all their own way against Queensland's two debutant props in next Wednesday's State of Origin II.

David Klemmer of the NSW Blues
NSW prop David Klemmer doesn't believe the Blues will have it all their own way in Origin II. (AAP)

Queensland's inexperienced forward pack won't make the Blues' quest for series-clinching State of Origin victory next week any easier, according to NSW prop David Klemmer.

The Maroons have just eight games between their four props for next Wednesday's clash, with interchange Josh Papalii accounting for seven of those.

Starting prop Dylan Napa is next on the list with just one game, while his front-row partner Jarrod Wallace and interchange Tim Glasby are each on debut in Sydney.

But Klemmer on Friday said he believed Glasby and Wallace's inexperience wouldn't hurt the Maroons up front.

"(Jarrod) is a tough bugger. He takes the ball up really well and does his job," Klemmer said

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"And Tim Glasby's just one of those Melbourne forwards that are tough.

"The same as Jarrod Wallace: they know their role. They fit perfectly in that side."

The pair, along with winger Valentine Holmes and bench second-rower Coen Hess, will make for six Maroons debutants this series - the most since 10 earned their first jerseys in 2006.

The Blues have had two, in the form of Jake Trbojevic and Nathan Peats a fortnight ago.

Trbojevic warned the trio would endure a difficult day in the lead-up to their first Origin match for the Maroons.

"There are a lot of thoughts," he said.

"You play the game a million times in your head and when you get out there it really hits you.

"Throughout the day they will be pretty nervous but once they get out there and make a touch or a tackle they'll be right to go."


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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