Maroons forward David Shillington shrugs off worries about bench without a prop

DAVID Shillington has dismissed concerns the Maroons' Origin quest could be exposed by an interchange unit lacking a specialist prop.

QUEENSLAND hardman David Shillington has dismissed concerns the Maroons' quest for an eighth consecutive Origin crown could be exposed by an interchange unit lacking a specialist prop.

The Maroons chose a bench comprising back-rowers Ben Te'o, Corey Parker, Matt Gillett and Chris McQueen.

Queensland coach Mal Meninga has defended the strategy, believing a slippery surface at ANZ will require more mobile forwards who will not be caught out defensively by fleet-footed NSW backs.

Shillington believes the Blues have picked their best-balanced side in years, and he is adamant the Maroons have the right formula as back-rowers Nate Myles and Sam Thaiday prepare for stints up front.

"They are the right selections," Shillington said of Queensland's bevy of bench back-rowers.

"There are people like Martin Kennedy or Josh McGuire who were talked about as possible props but the people we have in the team, they are good selections. Whatever the conditions, everyone has played there before and that gives us confidence we can do well.

"We still have players like Sammy Thaiday and Nate Myles who can push up in to the front row quite easily; Corey Parker can as well."

"There is always a need for specialist props, so it's good to have Matty Scott (in the starting side) and we might have to play a few more minutes than normal to have that constant go-forward.

"NSW's side isn't much bigger or they don't have any more specialist props, so we're pretty evenly matched."

While the Maroons are stacked with back-rowers, their bench is anything but lightweight, with Te'o (105kg), McQueen (104kg), Parker (100kg) and Gillett (105kg).

Meninga yesterday scoffed at suggestions Queensland's bench would be monstered by a NSW pack led by towering Cowboys enforcer James Tamou.

"When we match them up we will see who is undersized," he said.

"It's not about the size of the beast, it's about the size of the ticker.

"Our attitude hasn't changed. We have to make sure we prepare well and if we do that, we are a chance of being successful."

NSW have been criticised for several seasons over their selection philosophies, but Shillington believes Blues coach Laurie Daley has found the right mix.

"The team they have picked, that is the best team that NSW has had for years," he said.

"A lot of people don't like talking up the opposition, but that's what I believe. The players they have picked, there are no controversial selections from my point of view."