Young Bull to Replace Veteran Carroll

[Granty]

http://www.qrl.com.au/display.php?pg_id=1856

Young Bull to Replace Veteran Carroll

http://www.qrl.com.au/images_lib/JacobLillymanWide.gif

FORMER Richmond rodeo rider Jacob 'Bull' Lillyman has jumped in the saddle for the XXXX Queensland Maroons, replacing injured forward Tonie Carroll.

The North Queensland Cowboys talent will make his interstate debut in the crucial second match of the Harvey Norman State of Origin series, to be played at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane on Wednesday, June 14.

Lillyman is a former Australian Schoolboys (2002) and Queensland Under 19s (2003) representative.

The 22-year-old replaces one of Queensland’s most experienced campaigners, Carroll, who was ruled out late Tuesday evening with a knee injury.

This follows winger Adam Mogg’s late call-up in the place of injured Greg Inglis.

Lillyman and Mogg will be joined in the XXXX Maroons camp in Brisbane this morning by fellow debutant Karmichael Hunt.

[nq_gurl]

how good is that?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Way to go Bull!!!!! Amazing stuff. Cant wait to see him take the field in the maroon. fantastic. can you tell im a little excited? ;)

[Granty]

http://www.dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story/0,20281,19392723-5001023,00.html

Maroons call in another rookie

June 07, 2006

NORTH Queensland forward Jacob Lillyman has been called in to replace an injured Tonie Carroll in the Queensland team for next Wednesday's second State Of Origin rugby league match.

A shocked Lillyman was contacted late last night for his Origin debut after Carroll was ruled out with a knee injury.

The loss of Carroll further unsettled the Queensland camp after winger Greg Inglis was ruled out with back injury and replaced by surprise selection Adam Mogg yesterday.

And there could be more bad news with centre Justin Hodges missing today's official team medical to have physiotherapy on his suspect hamstring.

Lillyman has impressed in the Cowboys pack this season and he was included on the Maroons' interchange bench with Nate Myles promoted to the starting side after making his Origin debut in the 17-16 loss in opening Origin match in Sydney last month.

The Queenslanders go into camp in Brisbane today before relocating to their Sunshine Coast base at the Hyatt Regency at Coolum.

They trail 1-0 in the series and a loss on Wednesday night would make Queensland the first side to lose four consecutive interstate series.

[#CowboyDavid]

Congratulations to Jacob. I think it'll be the first of many Origins for him. Go and smash the Blues for us.

Now who'll get the callup if Hodges is out. Please call Bear and beg him to come out of rep retirement - Qld need his defence against Gasnier or Cooper.

[RHINO]

love it, got more mongrel in him then stagg b4 carroll got the call, yes stagg can make 50 tackles a game but most when he gets up last

[Ramit]

Jacob climbs Origin ladder
By Laine Clark

THE question on most lips after Queensland named its replacement for injured back rower Tonie Caroll in the team to play Origin II was "Jacob who?"
http://foxsports.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,5001,5165203,00.jpg Bolter ... Lillyman named as one of the great Origin selection shocks. Pic: Cameron Laird

But the only query from surprised Brisbane forward Sam Thaiday when he arrived for today's Queensland team medical was: "Jacob, why?"
After playing just three games in an injury-ravaged 2006, unheralded North Queensland back rower Jacob Lillyman was called up for Carroll, who was ruled out of the match against New South Wales a week tonight with a knee injury.
The former rodeo rider from outback Queensland had bucked the field to earn an Origin debut in one of the great selection shocks.
Many of the waiting media at the Origin camp today were flicking through the Cowboys team guide to study about the 22 year old, who returned from a nine-week injury break to first grade only last weekend.
But Thaiday was only wondering why his good mate had visited him when he saw Lillyman at the Brisbane team hotel this morning.
"It was a big surprise," Thaiday said.
"I wondered why he had come down to Brisbane to wish me well. "I saw him this morning ... just walked out the door and saw him standing there.
"We always aspired to play NRL together, but never thought we would be in the State of Origin team together - it's going to be mad fun."
The pair played against each other in junior North Queensland rep teams before becoming high-school mates when Lillyman - from Richmond in north-west Queensland - relocated to Townsville.
They went on to play alongside each other in the 2003 Queensland under-19 team.
As a result, Thaiday became the resident Lillyman expert at the Queensland team media briefing today - as the former bull rider was unable to attend.
Lillyman was still getting organised after receiving the Maroons call-up at 10pm (AEST) last night and flying into Brisbane early this morning.
Lillyman's background is just as unorthodox as his call-up.
He grew up on a cattle property and once toured the state's outback rodeo circuit as a bull rider before making his NRL debut in 2003.
Queensland coach Mal Meninga admitted today that Lillyman's selection had caught him by surprise.
"He hasn't had much time in first grade recently and he's a surprise packet, don't worry about that," Meninga said.
"We've got no concerns with him. He's got a good motor in him and he can go the distance.
"He played 55 minutes on the weekend against (Wests) Tigers so I've got no worries at all."
Thaiday looked forward to sharing the Origin experience with his old schoolmate.
"I've played alongside him, against him, and we've gone to Kirwan State High together," Thaiday said.
"He's a typical country boy - a good bloke but tough as well.
"We're really good mates. There's always a laugh to be had with Jacob, and he can tell a good yarn."
At the tender age of 20, Thaiday finds himself in the unusual position of passing on Origin advice to the older Lillyman.
"I played in Origin I so I'm not a rookie any more," he said.
"That's what I will talk to Jacob about; not to worry too much about things and just enjoy it.
http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,19393801%255E23214,00.html

[Ramit]

O'Donnell hails strong man
By Dave Donaghy

INJURED New South Wales forward Luke O'Donnell believes North Queensland teammate Jacob Lillyman may be the player to rattle the Blues pack after earning a shock call-up for the second State of Origin game.
O'Donnell today described Lillyman as one of the strongest players at the Cowboys, saying he would be "pretty well suited" to the physical rigours of the interstate battle.
"It's good to see him get rewarded," O'Donnell said.
"He's a strong kid and there'd be guys in the NSW team who haven't played against him.
"He might surprise a few of them. I think he'll do a good job and he won't let anyone down."
Lillyman's selection as a replacement for injured Queensland hitman Tonie Carroll shocked many people around the state.
The former bull rider, 22, has played just 19 NRL games in a four-year career, and he returned only recently from a lengthy injury-enforced stint on the sidelines.
He was set to bolster North Queensland's starting forward pack against the Sharks this weekend before receiving the Maroons call-up last night.
O'Donnell, who broke his thumb on debut for NSW in the series opener, said he was eyeing his own Origin shock by declaring his intent to play in the third game in Melbourne on July 5.
The Kangaroos second rower was expected to miss six weeks with the injury, but he has circled the Cowboys' round 16 clash against St George-Illawarra as a possible return date.
The fixture will provide him his last chance to press for selection, with the Blues' squad to be named the day after the round ends.
"I'm thinking more about just getting right but if I do make it back (for the Dragons game) then I'll be trying everything to get picked for the Blues," he said.
The protective cast currently on O'Donnell's hand will be cut off next week.
Another Cowboys second rower, hard-hitting Dapto product Steve Southern, can't take a trick at the moment after undergoing minor knee surgery last week that will keep him out for a month.
It's been a difficult fortnight for Southern, who was dropped to the Queensland Wizard Cup last week despite a powerhouse display against Canberra during the previous round.
"A lot of the swelling has gone down so it's feeling good at the moment," he said.
"I was disappointed to be dropped after the Raiders game because I thought I played well, but that's the nature of the game, I guess."
North Queensland will decide later in the week who will replace Lillyman in the squad to face the Sharks at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Saturday night.
Young Guns regulars Robert Tanielu, Mark Dalle Cort, Daniel Strickland and Ray Cashmere are believed to be in the running for the first-grade berth.
The Sharks' round-seven win over North Queensland was the blow that triggered the Cowboys' current form slump.
The club has crashed to five losses in their past six games.
Another defeat by the Sharks would see the Cowboys slide further down the top eight, and put extra pressure on coach Graham Murray to find an answer to North Queensland's problems.
Murray will miss Saturday night's home game because of NSW State of Origin team commitments.
The club's inaugural coach and current assistant, Grant Bell, will take the reins in Murray's absence.
http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,19393813%255E23214,00.html

[Granty]

http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200606/s1657558.htm

Murray backs Lillyman for Origin debut

New South Wales coach Graham Murray has backed Queensland's decision to call Cowboys forward Jacob Lillyman into its squad for next Wednesday's second State of Origin match at Lang Park in Brisbane.

The 22-year-old replaces Brisbane's Tonie Carroll who has been ruled out of Origin II because of a knee injury.

Murray, who coaches Lillyman at North Queensland, said the young forward would not let the Maroons down.

"He's a good player, he's got tremendous footwork, he gives everything he's got. He won't let them down," Murray said.

Lillyman and fellow Queensland rookies Adam Mogg and Karmichael Hunt had their first training run with the Maroons today in Brisbane.

Lillyman's team-mate at the Cowboys and Queensland half-back, Johnathan Thurston, said he would provide a strong presence on the field for the Maroons.

"He's a very strong defender and he should be very proud to get the call," Thurston said.

"He runs good lines out wide and that's something that we need, a bit of aggression in him as well, which is good and hopefully he can bring that to the table on Wednesday night."

Meanwhile New South Wales prop Willie Mason said he was pleased Carroll would not be lining up for Queensland in next week's match.

Mason said Carroll's injury was a big blow for the Maroons.

"He's got that really intimidating factor about him and when he's not in the line there, and you sort of look at him and you wouldn't be running directly straight at him, so I think it is a big loss," he said.

[Granty]

http://svc002.wic103cx.server-web.com/News/Latest/NewsArticle/tabid/76/NewsId/1525/Default.aspx

Lillyman an unknown quantity to NSW

Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 7:43 PM

Jacob Lillyman's Queensland call-up for next week's second State of Origin match is so out of left field several NSW players didn't even know who he was.

North Queensland forward Lillyman was the second shock Maroons selection in as many days after Canberra bolter Adam Mogg was called up for injured Melbourne sensation Greg Inglis on Tuesday.

Former Australian schoolboy Lillyman, who has been limited to just three NRL games this season due to knee and hand injuries, will replace Tonie Carroll after Brisbane veteran succumbed to a knee injury.

While the 22-year-old may be one of the greatest Origin shocks of all time, NSW coach Graham Murray - also his club coach at the Cowboys - was adamant he wouldn't be a liability.

"I got a tip about a week ago that he was on stand-by - it didn't surprise me," Murray said.

"He's a good player and it's a great reward for a good fella that's come from a good family.

"He's got tremendous footwork, he give it (all) every time he goes out on the field... he won't let them down.

Asked if his relative inexperience - he has played just 21 first grade games - would count against the former rodeo rider, Murray replied: "Jacob Lillyman won't be a risk."

When Blues forward Nathan Hindmarsh was asked about Lillyman's selection, the workaholic backrower admitted he wasn't aware who he was.

"Jacob Lillyman - he's a solid player," Hindmarsh said.

Asked if he knew which club he played for, the Test forward incorrectly guessed Melbourne.

Meanwhile, Willie Mason revealed he and captain Danny Buderus called a meeting of the Blues forward pack to ensure there was no let-up for the second game of the series.

"Me and Bedsey got the forwards together and said it was up to us to win the game," he said.

"It was just to get everyone thinking, even though we are intense, just for the first couple of days to keep our minds on the job.

"We know they are going to come out pumped and if we don't do our job they're going to run over us."

Powerhouse prop Mark O'Meley said the forwards faced an even tougher task at Suncorp Stadium.

"The game is won through the forwards so Willie and Bedsey reminded us of that," O'Meley said.

"All this media stuff about them struggling, the media stuff from former players will give them even more motivation."

Winger Eric Grothe has been struggling with a virus but trained strongly with the team.

Source: AAP

[Granty]

http://www.dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story/0,20281,19396359-5001023,00.html

Now the Maroons call up Jacob Who?

By IAIN PAYTEN
June 08, 2006

IF Queensland's intention was subverting NSW's Origin preparation with confusion and shock, they've made a good start.

After Adam Mogg's wing selection, the Maroons call-up of Jacob Lillyman from the Cowboys' back paddock yesterday was met with even more blank stares from puzzled Blues players.

Many had either never heard of Lillyman, or knew which club he played for.

Nathan Hindmarsh declared Lillyman "a solid player" but when quizzed where he played, the NSW second-rower replied: "Melbourne?

"I know the name but I don't watch football every week," Hindmarsh said.

Mark O'Meley also had little idea of Lillyman's credentials.

"I don't know too much about him. I'll have to get the videos out and study up on him but I am sure "Muzza" [coach Graham Murray] will have some insights," O'Meley added.

An embarrassed Hindmarsh said he hoped Lillyman wouldn't think he was "an a...hole because I don't know him" but the baffled reactions were hardly surprising.

Hindmarsh and O'Meley are among 10 NSW players who've never played against Lillyman at NRL level.

With just 19 first grade games under his belt, Lillyman has so far only lined up against four Blues forwards: Steve Menzies, Danny Buderus, Steve Simpson and Andrew Ryan.

Lillyman's selection appears either a desperate choice or at best a shock tactic by Queensland, but Blues and Cowboys coach Graham Murray is well positioned for the latter.

"I got a tip about a week ago that he was on standby," Murray said. "He is a good player and it is a great reward for a good fella."

[paddy]

its a fair reaction to be a little skeptical of how he would go

[Granty]

http://www.nrl.com/News/Latest/NewsArticle/tabid/76/NewsId/1539/Default.aspx

Lillyman aims to hog-tie Mason

Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 7:20 PM

Rookie forward Jacob Lillyman doubts his days as a rodeo rider will be much use when confronted by a full-blooded Willie Mason charge in his State of Origin debut on Wednesday night.

Lillyman fills the heavy-hitting role of injured back-rower Tonie Carroll and one of his tasks will be to hog-tie the likes of Mason and fellow rampaging Blues prop Mark O'Meley who ripped the Maroons apart in Sydney last month.

The one-time bull rider from Richmond in western Queensland is preparing himself for the fastest, toughest and biggest game of his career at Suncorp Stadium.

"He's a big bugger," said Lillyman, when asked about stopping Mason's bull-like charges.

"He's probably as big as some of the bulls but he hasn't got a tail, so I don't think my rodeo days are going to help me much at all."

The 22-year-old Cowboy who has played just 18 NRL games was still coming to terms with his last-minute call to arms - a day after another bolter, Canberra's Adam Mogg, was named to replace Storm teenager Greg Inglis.

"I was home having dinner, kicking back and watching TV when the phone rang," said Lillyman, whose father Wayne "Budge" Lillyman played in the back-row for Brisbane Norths in the early 1980s.

"It was (Cowboys and Queensland assistant coach) Neil Henry telling me to pack my bags because I'd been called in for Tonie Carroll who was no good.

"I had to ask him three times if he was serious before I started frantically packing."

Henry had given Lillyman, just back from a seven-game lay-off with a hamstring injury, the heads up that he was a "chance" if Carroll was ruled out.

"If he hadn't of said that, and I just got the phone call, it would have turned me upside down," said Lillyman.

Lillyman is aware his profile is not that high and was amused when told NSW forward Nathan Hindmarsh thought he played for the Melbourne Storm.

"I didn't know that, but it doesn't really surprise me," laughed Lillyman.

"I'm not exactly a household name."

Lillyman said he was preparing himself for a hectic debut but was confident the work that Cowboys fitness fanatic Billy Johnstone had put in while he was out injured would see him through on Wednesday night.

"I guess you worry about it but when I was injured I was spending pretty much every hour of the day with Billy Johnstone training and getting flogged so I don't think it's going to be a real issue," he said.

"I'm preparing myself for a pretty up tempo game that's a lot more physical and faster than I've ever played."

Queensland was heavily criticised for failing to show enough aggression in Sydney and Lillyman said he was prepared to put his body on the line on Wednesday night.

"I wouldn't like to make any bold predictions about what I am going to go out and do," he said cautiously.

"But it's rugby league, it's full contact and I think you have to have a bit of aggression in you.

"It's a big part of the game to help the team, get some momentum."

Source: AAP

[Granty]

http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/story/0,20797,19408206-5003409,00.html

Bush boy's day in the sun

Ben Dorries
June 09, 2006

http://thecouriermail.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,5166038,00.jpg
ALWAYS a Maroon . . . Jacob Lillyman has emerged from the bush with a
mission for Queensland in the State of Origin match on Wednesday night.

CHASING tearaway pigs along the muddy banks of the Flinders River, a young bush kid dreamed of pulling on a maroon jersey and walking in the footsteps of his hero Allan Langer.

The upbringing of Queensland's latest State of Origin rookie, Jacob Lillyman, was about as far from the bright lights of the city as you could get – on his parents' 10,500ha cattle property at Richmond, 500km west of Townsville.

When he was not pig shooting or cattle wrangling, the youngster indulged his passion for footy. His father, Budge, a former North Queensland second-rower, noticed the spark in his son's eyes whenever he drove him to play on dusty ovals in Julia Creek, Hughenden, Cloncurry and everywhere in between.

A chance meeting with Langer, on a trip to Townsville in 1990, only confirmed the youngster's determination to make it to the top.

"Jake was absolutely mad about Alfie," Lillyman Sr recounts. "Football was always his highest priority and he always played above his age group. It was something that he loved, something that was a lot of fun, and you could always tell he was going to go a long way. We just didn't realise quite how far he would go."

The young Lillyman at times turned his focus to other passions – he travelled the state's outback on the professional rodeo circuit.

With some help from uncle Darren, a champion bull rider, the teenager nicknamed "Bull" had his heart set on the professional rodeo circuit.

That changed when he was signed to a scholarship by North Queensland Cowboys and taken under the wing of inaugural Cowboys coach Grant Bell who took him into his house in Townsville.

Less than three years after making his first-grade debut, Lillyman has stormed into the Origin team. He immediately rang his father, who had to be persuaded that the call was not a practical joke.

"Jake is always ringing up and making jokes about different things," Budge said.

"We had been talking for about 10 minutes before he finally convinced me that he was on the level and he would be playing for Queensland. When I realised he was fair dinkum I just told him to enjoy the moment."

Lillyman Sr will not miss out seeing his son's moment in the sun as he plans to drive to Townsville and catch a flight to Brisbane on Wednesday.

[nq_gurl]

man i hope he gets a fair chance at justifying his selection. nothing worse than a bench player not hitting the turf for more than 15 minutes in a game.

Go Get Em Bull!!!!

[Yayarg]

Hope he has a game of a lifetime.

[RHINO]

decided im goin to a fancy dress party 2morrow night as lillyman. QLD gear and a crappy printed out name from the computer stapled across my back lol

[cphil83]

man i hope he gets a fair chance at justifying his selection. nothing worse than a bench player not hitting the turf for more than 15 minutes in a game.

Go Get Em Bull!!!!


Unfortunatley I can't see him getting much more minutes than that.

But good luck Bull hope ya do well.

[nq_gurl]

decided im goin to a fancy dress party 2morrow night as lillyman. QLD gear and a crappy printed out name from the computer stapled across my back lol
well done! lol.