NRL: Convert Lillyman fronts up

Jacob Lillyman. Photo / Getty Images

For Jacob Lillyman, an unwelcome change has proved a blessing in disguise. The former backrower was reluctant to move into the front row, but now admits the switch has worked for the best.

After some impressive displays at prop at the end of 2010, coach Ivan Cleary made his feelings clear in November.

Warriors assistant coach Tony Iro recalls the reluctance of the Queenslander, who had joined the Warriors after playing second row or lock for the Cowboys.

"By his own admission he probably wasn't completely sure he wanted to play that role so early in his career," says Iro.

In a sport where only the toughest thrive, the hardest men of all pack down in the front row. The physical collisions are brutal, while the ever-increasing pace of the game has made numbers 8 and 10 the most taxing positions on the field.

Moving up through the forward pack is not uncommon at all, but usually comes as players begin to slow down. Think of Kiwis Ruben Wiki or Quentin Pongia. It is physically more demanding and there can be less opportunity to show flair or offload when consumed by the work in the trenches.

"In the second row, some sets you can hang back and have a breather," says Lillyman, "whereas in the front row you have got to be constantly demanding the ball - the lungs take a while to get used to it."

Lillyman now says the new role suits him and this has been reflected in some strong performances and selection in the 25-man Queensland squad. He was one of the best on the park in Melbourne, following consistent displays against the Sharks, Roosters and Sea Eagles.

"I guess in the back row I would drift in and out of games," says Lillyman. "Sometimes it was hard to get involved out wide whereas playing in the middle you have no excuse - and that suits my game. I've really warmed to the position."

"He's a strong kid and he is resilient," confirms Iro. "He suits the character of prop because he is a tough human being who doesn't take a backward step.

"We know other players don't like playing against him, so that is good enough for us."

Life hasn't always been so rosy for Lillyman at Mt Smart Stadium. He arrived in 2009 highly touted as a former Queensland State of Origin representative, but failed to show much in his first two years; many fans began to question his value. He admits he had a inconsistent first year, coming straight after two shoulder reconstructions and struggling in a team playing poorly. Last year he was starting to build some momentum before injury ruled him out for 10 weeks.

"Part of it is attitude," admits Lillyman. "This year I have the attitude to strive for consistency week in and week out. Plus I had a good pre-season - I'm amped for a big year."

Helping his positive outlook is the balance he has found from university life, studying two papers towards a degree in Sports and Exercise science at Auckland's Tamaki campus.

"It is a good outlet from rugby league and nice to be doing something productive with the time off," says Lillyman.

Like Lillyman, Kiwi prospect Ben Matulino has also made a permanent shift into the front row.

The 22-year-old was a damaging, wide-ranging back rower with a dangerous offload on debut in 2008, and some observers still wonder if prop is the best use of his talents. Matulino has no doubts about the transition, saying it suits his defensive game.

"There is heaps of traffic coming through the middle and it is much easier to read defence there," says Matulino. "On the side, it's harder to read defence on the edge and that is where a lot of linebreaks come."

Matulino says he prefers starting from the bench, enjoying the chance to make an impact when the pace of the game has slowed.

With seven test caps, he is not overly optimistic about his chances of a Kiwi call up tonight - "there are probably a few other props playing better than me" - but has unqualified support at Mt Smart.

"Like a few guys here he is pretty quiet but we don't mind that as long as he gets stuck in on the field," says Iro.

"He is a talented athlete just starting to realise his potential. Ben is a big, physical character who just needs consistency to play hard and tough every week."

"He is one of the biggest hitters I've seen," says Lillyman. "If somebody runs straight at him, it is at their own peril."

Both will need to be at their best today against a dangerous Penrith side.

The announcement of Matt Elliot's departure will galvanise the Panthers and they will come to Auckland without trepidation, having won here 40-12 in round six last year.

They probably over-achieved by finishing second on the NRL table last season, but the 'chocolate soldiers' still have several match winners in their squad.