After personally being trampled by Coen Hess, Queensland wrecking ball Josh Papalii is backing the 20-year-old to revel in his State of Origin debut on Wednesday night.
And Maroons fans will have to take Papalii's word for it with Queensland coach Kevin Walters surprisingly slapping a media ban on Hess in the lead-up to Origin II.
The powerhouse backrower has been the subject of a tug of war ahead of the clash after his North Queensland coach Paul Green claimed he wasn't ready for Origin after 22 NRL games.
Green feared Hess may be "scarred" if thrust prematurely into the furnace.
The youngster has only given one interview - on the official QRL website - since Walters ignored Green and picked him anyway as he wielded the axe in the wake of their record 28-4 game one loss.
And that's how it will remain with Walters opting to shield the rookie forward from the media before his much scrutinised debut.
"There's a lot of pressure around Origin and we need to protect him the best we can so that on Wednesday night he can play his best game for Queensland," Walters said.
"That's what we feel is the best way."
Papalii said he could testify first-hand to Hess' toughness after being steamrolled by him on the way to one of his 10 NRL tries this season.
"I have actually been run over by him," Papalii said.
"He's pretty strong. Up in Townsville there were three dudes on him and he just put the ball down for another try.
"He's a big body.
"There was a lot of excitement watching (prop) Dylan Napa make his debut for game one, it's the same for Hess (in game two)."
Walters will reveal his line-up order on Friday after announcing his squad alphabetically.
He said one of three debutant forwards - Hess, Jarrod Wallace and bolter Tim Glasby - would start.
Hess is expected to be used as an impact bench player.
Walters appeared annoyed by Green's assessment of Hess at the team announcement, saying "everyone in the rugby league world" knew he was ready for Origin.
But the Maroons mentor appeared to soften his stance before Queensland settled into their Gold Coast camp on Thursday.
"I know Paul Green is really happy that he's going to get an opportunity at this level," he said.
"I think Paul was misunderstood with his feelings around Coen.
"He's very excited about Wednesday night.
"You want these sort of players in your team. It's a big bonus for us to get him in there."
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