A brutal training session with two of the Canberra Raiders' giants has convinced David Shillington to launch himself back into the State of Origin selection mix.
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Shillington will make his comeback when the Raiders play the Newcastle Knights at Canberra Stadium on Sunday, four weeks after he injured his ribs.
The Queensland prop's representative ambitions were put on hold when a rib popped out of its socket last month. The injury ruined his hopes of playing in the Anzac Test in Canberra
But after testing himself against Raiders front-rowers Dane Tilse and Brett White on Wednesday, Shillington declared his intention of winning a spot in the Queensland starting side.
He played all three Origin matches from the bench last year behind Matthew Scott and Petero Civoniceva.
''My goal for Origin is to partner Matt Scott in the front row,'' Shillington said. ''We've done it a few different times for Queensland and Australia and I love working beside him.
''In saying that I'm happy to be anywhere in the 17-man squad … I can't say enough how keen I am to play [Origin]. It's going to be a tough series and I would love to be part of all three games … It's not a distraction. You've got to play well for your club and then the rep honours come, so I'm throwing all my energy into the Raiders matches.''
Shillington will compete with Ben Hannant, Nate Myles and Sam Thaiday for a starting spot in the Maroons' pack.
But his immediate focus is on repaying the Raiders after his brief appearance against the Warriors last month. Coach David Furner has named him on the bench to bolster his forwards in the clash with the Knights.
As he is one of the club's leaders and a representative front-rower, he could be shifted to the starting side later in the week. His return is a timely boost after news Tom Learoyd-Lahrs is to spend up to two months on the sideline after toe surgery this week.
The Raiders are riding high following their win over the Melbourne Storm last weekend. It was the first of four crucial matches - they next play the Cronulla Sharks and Manly Sea Eagles before the bye in round 12.
''I … ran into 'Whitey' and 'Tilsey' flat chat just to know I would be right and get some confidence, so I'm feeling good this week,'' Shillington said.