NRL: Lillyman doesn't want to be 18 all over again

Jacob Lillyman is hoping that his role with Queensland extends beyond the training pitch next week. Photo / Getty Images

Jacob Lillyman hopes his call-up to the Queensland State of Origin squad doesn't see him filling the 18th-man role once again.

The Warriors prop made six appearances off the bench for the Maroons between 2006 and 2011 but was 18th man for two games in 2013.

While he's chuffed to be included in Mal Meninga's 21-man squad for Wednesday's game two, the 30-year-old admits being 18th man is an awkward experience.

"It's obviously a massive honour any time you get named in the Queensland team," Lillyman said. "I'm not sure of what my role is just yet.

"I've played six times but, when you're 18th man, it's pretty tough on you. You kind of feel like a bit of a clinger-on. You're just there as back-up and you don't really feel part of the team. When they're all celebrating, it's pretty tough.

"Hopefully I won't have to go through that this time but we'll wait and see. They've named quite a few players, so I won't get too far ahead of myself just yet. But fingers crossed I get a run."

Lillyman has been one of the Warriors' best performers this season, playing all 13 games and making just two errors. His relentless go-forward and strength in the tackle has been integral to their improving form and he's averaging a team-high 136m from 13.3 hit-ups a game.

A recent chance encounter with the Queensland coaches let him know he was in contention for selection for game one but the call never came.

"That was before the Gold Coast game," he said. "I was having a chat to them and, as I was leaving, Mal pulled me aside and said you're thereabouts, keep chipping away and keep doing what you're doing. A lot of people were talking me up for the first game and, while I didn't expect anything, I was a little disappointed to be overlooked."

Two more outstanding games against the Knights and Rabbitohs convinced the Maroons selectors he deserved another chance.

"We got back early Monday morning from Perth and I was a bit tired so had a bit of a sleep for a few hours," Lillyman said.

"I got a call from [Warriors coach] Andrew McFadden telling me I was in the squad. It was really nice. I was wondering what I was going to do with my week off because we've got the bye."

Being surrounded by the likes of Greg Inglis, Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith and Billy Slater means he can't help but try to raise his game to their level.

"It's a great experience. There is an unbelievable amount of skill and that's on show at every training session. It's good just to be a part of that again and I think it brings the best out in you. Once you get into camp and you're training, you lift to try to meet the level of expectation."

That expectation is coming from all quarters now, with the Maroons heading to Sydney down 1-0 and facing their first series defeat in nine years, but Lillyman is taking that pressure in his stride.

"Those sorts of situations bring the best out in you. You learn a lot about yourself and, just in regards to the Queensland team, they have shown over the years they thrive on adversity. I guess you'd be a game man to write the Maroons off just yet."