NRL: Lillyman keen to shed journeyman tag

Jacob Lillyman is showing glimpses of the form that saw him represent Queensland in State of Origin. Photo / Getty Images

Jacob Lillyman is working hard to peel off an unwanted tag from round his neck: journeyman.

As an overseas player, the onus has come on the 26-year-old to perform strongly this season, his second in a two-year contract as the likes of Ben Matulino, Lewis Brown and Sione Lousi rise through the back-row ranks.

Lillyman will be playing only his 90th NRL match this afternoon, despite being a former Queensland State of Origin representative in his halcyon days with the North Queensland Cowboys. However, a rugged display against the Bulldogs last week, with 69 minutes, 30 tackles and 97 metres gained deputising for Micheal Luck at lock, earned him respect.

Lillyman is relishing the current opportunity but finds it demanding: "Lucky [Luck] gets through so much work.

"It leaves a hole. My tackle count numbers aren't likely to be near his and playing in that middle part of the field is always tough on the lungs."

Lillyman has improved his numbers from last year, since being given more time on the field with the well-documented injury toll.

Previously, he was regularly used as an interchange prop - a position many think suits him long term as a good front-on tackler who never lets anyone down but doesn't bend the defensive line with ball in hand.

Lillyman admits there are plenty of aspects to his game he'd like to improve.

"I would like to bring more aggression and speed to the line to cut down big men nice and early. Basically I'd like to establish more dominance. Likewise on attack, I'd like to take the ball up harder."

Former Kiwis backrower and captain Hugh McGahan says not enough of those things have been seen since Lillyman arrived.

"You could argue about how much he's offered the club as an overseas player, given they wouldn't be paying him loose change. He has been an asset filling in holes, when required, as a solid player. But I'd like to see him as the topic of conversation more after the weekend with people marvelling about what he's done.

"It would good to see him as the difference between winning and losing sometimes. Mind you, I've been made to eat my words on the signings of Steve Price and Ruben Wiki in the past, so perhaps that will come."

Another former Kiwis captain, Richie Barnett, says it's hard to distinguish any lack of form from Lillyman compared to the 2009 Warriors as a whole.

"Wipe out last year," says Barnett. "This year should be more of an indicator of his ability. Last year was a disgrace. No-one really performed at all.

"Lillyman came with a reputation as a tough grafter, an uncompromising player, and he's showing those traits now.

"He stepped in well replacing Luck last week and he's still relatively inexperienced, having played less than 100 NRL games when he's been around for a number of years [since 2003] and had a taste of Origin."