McGuire rates Napa among world’s best props ahead of Broncos’ NRL finals clash with Roosters

JOSH McGuire has branded Dylan Napa as one of the best props in the world, as the pair prepare to meet in a fiery finals showdown on Friday night.

Dylan Napa during Queensland State of Origin training. Photo: Peter Wallis

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JOSH McGuire has branded Dylan Napa as one of the best props in the world, as the pair prepare to meet in a fiery finals showdown on Friday night.

The Broncos enforcer paid his Roosters rival the ultimate compliment yesterday, after years of watching the now 24-year-old move through the ranks.

Dylan Napa and Josh McGuire as Queensland teammates. Photo: Peter Wallis

McGuire and Napa both played at Aspley Devils during their childhood years, although in different age groups, before their careers took separate paths.

They reunited this year in the Queensland Origin team but will become opponents once again on Friday, in the first NRL finals match for 2017.

And McGuire knows he is going to have to be at his best to shut down Napa, who he considers to be one of the finest props in the game.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing against one of the best front-rowers in the world,” McGuire said of Napa.

“He’s a really quality fella. I’ve known him for a while now and he’s a good mate of mine.

“It should be exciting (to come up against him). He’s been a quality player all year in my eyes.”

Dylan Napa (left) tackles Korbin Sims of the Broncos in Round 13. Photo: Getty Images

While McGuire said he could not pinpoint the exact season when he thought Brisbane-born Napa hit his top form, he said it was no surprise to see the player he had turned into.

He said Napa is a modest and relaxed person away from the field, but knows how to take things to another level once he pulls on his footy boots.

“He’s a great football player and an even better bloke off the field,” McGuire said.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time knowing Dylan and watching him play footy and develop over the years.

“Dylan is a pretty relaxed fella and very unassuming off the field, but on the field he’s a leader and a guy I really enjoy playing with and also against.

“He’s a man that leads by example and I’m really happy for him to see the player he has developed into.”

The Broncos trained strongly yesterday in their second session before Friday’s clash.

However, as expected, Darius Boyd and Tevita Pangai Jr were both absent because of hamstring injuries.

Kodi Nikorima will instead play at fullback, while Benji Marshall will come into the starting side as halfback.

David Mead will take Marshall’s spot on the bench and Jai Arrow comes in for Pangai Jr.