Queensland enforcer Josh Papalii says it's time for the Maroons' young guns to take the reins of a State of Origin legacy as he prepares to play the role of protector for former housemate Anthony Milford.
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The Canberra Raiders second-rower will earn his first Origin starting appearance when Queensland play NSW in the series opener at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.
It will be a special moment for "brothers" Papalii and Milford, who forged a special bond in Canberra and their time living together sparked a Queensland Origin dream.
But they face a massive challenge to continue Queensland's stranglehold in the game's showpiece, with Milford replacing Johnathan Thurston and Papalii given a senior forward pack job.
The Maroons will be missing veterans Thurston, Matt Scott and Billy Slater and many believe it's the perfect opportunity for NSW to win just their second series in 12 years.
"Yeah, we've got a few more younger players than usual in camp this year," Papalii said.
"I'm one of them as well, and I think us younger players have some big shoes to fill. We want to do our job on Wednesday and that can be the start of us continuing what has been built over many years.
"Every time you come into Origin camp you learn more about Queensland and your passion for the state.
"There's a lot of hype around this game and it's my first time in the starting team, so I'm excited for what that will bring and the challenge."
Papalii expects to back up for the Raiders in their clash against the Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on Sunday afternoon.
A Green Machine link has made his time in Queensland camp even more enjoyable this week after linking with close mate Milford.
The pair grew up in Queensland together and followed the same NRL path to Canberra to join the Raiders' development system.
They lived together when Milford's career reached a crossroads, and the talented playmaker decided to leave the capital to move to Brisbane for family reasons.
But their time together planted a representative dream and they will get a chance to live that for the first time at Suncorp Stadium.
"He hasn't changed too much at all," Papalii grinned.
"We're pretty excited to be able to run out together and we've got a big job ahead of us against a strong NSW side.
"It's going to be pretty special. I don't think I've ever seen him cook a meal and he was pretty quiet when we were living together, but he's always had talent. No one argues about that.
"We have a close relationship and he's been one of my best mates since we were growing up. Being able to play in a game like this is a bonus.
"Being in an Origin camp together is pretty surreal and something we'll cherish for a long time. But in saying that, the jersey we're wearing and Queensland comes first for us."
Papalii will be playing his seventh Origin game and his first in the starting team after being ushered into a side of legends in 2013.
NSW are expected to target debutant Milford in a bid to expose his defence, but Papalii is prepared for the onslaught and ready to offer a helping hand on the right edge.
The 25-year-old 112 kilogram wrecking ball has been in devastating form for the Raiders. He was left out of the Australian side for the Anzac Test after a drink-driving conviction.
But Papalii looms as a key member of Queenslands hopes of retaining the Origin trophy and he's embracing his responsibility.
"I'm actually not too bad with nerves. I'll soak up the atmosphere when I get to the game and I can't wait to get out there," Papalii said.
"The experience is always different. It's always tough but being in the starting team for this one there's that little bit extra to it."
