Queensland pack has to toughen up: Napa

Queensland prop Dylan Napa may have played just one State of Origin game but speaks like a veteran with his advice to the Maroons pack: toughen up.

He has played just one State of Origin game and he can't remember much of it.

But rookie Queensland prop Dylan Napa spoke like an old-school veteran when asked for his advice to the young Maroons pack ahead of Wednesday's game two in Sydney: toughen up.

Queensland will field one of their most inexperienced packs in Origin history after selectors wielded the axe following a record 28-4 home loss kick-started by the NSW forwards.

But Napa said the Queensland forwards would still be out to prove a point against the monster Blues pack.

"It's no secret. They scored two tries through the middle in the first half - we've got to toughen up," he said.

"It's a man's game. If you don't toughen up, you shouldn't be in the sport and probably shouldn't get picked in the side.

"We've got a job to do and we'll be doing our best to do it."

Sydney Roosters enforcer Napa was one of the few Maroons forwards to survive after Queensland made seven changes and named four debutants for Origin II.

He will start with debutant prop Jarrod Wallace, ensuring Queensland will boast their most inexperienced front row in 20 years.

Maroons selectors put a broom through the forwards after game one, axing veterans Nate Myles, Sam Thaiday and Jacob Lillyman and dumping backrower Aidan Guerra.

Besides Wallace, fellow debutants Coen Hess and bolter Tim Glasby will be on the bench.

"Origin has been the same for however many years I've watched it - it is a physical battle," Napa said.

"And we feel like we've got a pack that can combat that.

"It's what you dream of when you are a little kid, to play out there.

"It's scary and nerve-racking but very enjoyable.

"There's nothing better than being on the big stage and testing yourself out."

Not that Napa can recall much of his Origin debut last month.

For the record, he hit the ground running in game one, pulling off some big hits and bending the Blues line before being hampered by a rolled ankle.

"I can't even remember it, it went that quick ... but I can't wait to do it again," Napa said.

"I didn't know I could miss a game just by it being so quick.

"Going into game one, I had the highest expectations and it exceeded all of them.

"I know what to expect now. I love nothing more than the big stage and putting my body on the line for my brothers in Maroon."


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Source: AAP



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