Former Queensland fullback Garry Belcher believes next month's State of Origin dead rubber is the perfect time for the Maroons to usher Canberra Raiders prop David Shillington into their squad.
Shillington is a front-runner to claim one of two vacant spots in the Queensland side, thanks to injuries to Petero Civoniceva (toe) and Ben Hannant (knee).
With ageing front-rowers Civoniceva, 33, and Steve Price, 35, nearing the end of their representative careers, Belcher called on Maroons selectors to give Shillington a start in Origin III at Suncorp Stadium on July 15.
The Queensland team will be named on Tuesday, giving Shillington one more chance to impress selectors, when the Raiders take on the Gold Coast Titans at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.
Belcher said Shillington's consistency stood him apart from other options such as North Queensland's Carl Webb.
''Dave has been quite consistent and playing well,'' Belcher said.
''He does all those things a front-rower needs to do and he's still relatively young as far as front-rowers go.
''It's a great opportunity to blood him third game, dead rubber.
''Not that Queensland won't be giving their all to win, but considering they will have to come up with some props in the next few years whenever Petero and Pricey decide to hang up the boots it's a great opportunity.''
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