League: Civoniceva keen to resume hostilities with NSW pack

Queensland prop Petero Civoniceva’s feud with Brett White dates back to the 2007 State of Origin series. Photo / Getty Images

BRISBANE - He was in the trenches with Michael Weyman, Josh Perry and Brett White a few weeks ago but damaging Queensland forward Petero Civoniceva says they'll be enemy number one when he plays Origin's "mate against mate" card in Sydney next week.

Civoniceva and White have had a running battle on and off the field going back to the Storm prop's Origin debut in 2007.

White earned Civoniceva's ire for claiming Brisbane's pack had lost its aura.

Civoniceva, who usually leaves things on the field, singled White out for allegedly hitting him with a "cheap shot" elbow during an NRL clash that year which continued their feud.

White however recently suggested he and Civoniceva had patched up their differences after they were roomies on last year's Four Nations Tour.

But judging by the look in Civoniceva's eyes when asked about their relationship on Wednesday, he hasn't forgiven the Storm firebrand for knocking out his long-time Queensland side-kick Steve Price with a punch that sparked an ugly end to the 2009 series.

"We play hard on the field and we're passionate about representing our states and we go as hard as we can," said 30-game veteran Civoniceva.

"Off the field that changes, especially when you've got to wear a Kangaroo jersey and you've got to room with the bloke.

"We were always going to get on."

Civoniceva admits he can't wait to see his latest roomie, Dave Taylor unleashed on the Blues.

He joked his main role in camp was to keep the 119kg rookie away from the all-you-can-eat buffet.

On a serious note, he's hoping Taylor delves into his bag of tricks against the Blues.

"He's one out of the box big Dave," said Civoniceva, almost in awe of his 21 year-old understudy.

"We're all well aware of the skills he possesses.

"Those tough carries he's capable of and that bit of skill that not all big men have - hopefully that will feature in his game on Wednesday night."

Having played 30 Origins, Civoniceva is under no illusions about the massive task confronting a Maroons pack missing experienced props Ben Hannant and Price.

"It's well documented how potent our backline is but obviously they can't do anything if the guys in the middle aren't doing their work," he said.

"It's a huge responsibility on our shoulders, but one we are ready for."

Queensland is expecting the Blues to employ similar physical tactics to those which unsettled them in game three last year.

"It's a big challenge for us, no doubt.

"Those guys are in great form at the moment and playing some fantastic football."

NSW seem to be placing a lot of faith in the fact they beat Queensland in a dead rubber the last time they met.

On that occasion, Civoniceva was out injured and Queensland's game preparations went off the rails after claims some players dabbled in a cocktail of party drugs during their pre-game camp on the Gold Coast.

"They obviously feel they played a very spirited style of football and they see that as a bonus," said Civoniceva.

"But the most telling thing was that our preparation wasn't up to scratch.

"That's always been the key for us and why we've had so much success because of the way we prepare for every game.

"We probably fell a bit short of that and maybe a bit of complacency set in.

"That won't happen again."

- AAP