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BRISBANE - Prop Petero Civoniceva has endorsed the tag "mongrel mob" for Queensland's fearsome backrow, saying they'll handle things if they get rough in State of Origin.
Queensland selectors, anticipating a strong Blues' pack, named specialist hitmen Carl Webb, Tonie Carroll and Dallas Johnson in their backrow and Canberra's fearless Neville Costigan on the bench with another crunching defender, Nate Myles.
The group were immediately dubbed the "mongrel mob" which Civoniceva said summed them up perfectly.
"New South Wales have got an all-Australian pack bar Brett White, so we've got a tough job in front of us," said Civoniceva who with another Origin warrior, Steve Price, will lead the assault on the Blues pack.
"If it's physical up the middle, we've got the men to get the job done.
"We've got guys like Carl Webb in the pack and Neville Costigan and Nate Myles who's a capable defender.
"You'd hate to be playing against them. Tonie Carroll pulls off some bellringers week in and week out as do the whole group of guys."
Civoniceva and rookie New South Wales prop Brett White have already exchanged barbs since the Origin sides were named. White offended Civoniceva with comments about the Broncos forward pack after Melbourne beat Brisbane last month.
Civoniceva said if White was in his sights on Wednesday night he "wouldn't miss him".
White yesterday laughed off his instant notoriety as the most hated NSW player, saying he did not care what Queensland fans thought of him.
It's set the scene for an explosive opening to Wednesday night's clash between the two big men, although Civoniceva said he would not be surprised if Luke Bailey started ahead of the inexperienced White.
Civoniceva said he and Price had to carry a lot of responsibility and, if needed, would put their hands up for more work. It typifies the way Civoniceva and Price approach Origin football.
Civoniceva (177) and Price (169) head the NRL hit-ups and are on top in metres gained with Civoniceva grinding out 1503 metres and Price 1443 metres in nine games.
"I just love playing alongside Price," said Civoniceva. "I've always respected him.
"He's a great leader and I enjoy playing alongside him.
"I can't wait until Wednesday night to pack down with him again."
-AAP
