Petero Civoniceva backs Jacob Lillyman for Origin I selection TEAM MAN: Petero Civoniceva and Jacob Lillyman after the 2011 State of Origin series. Civoniceva says Lillyman should get the nod this year. Picture:: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail LEGENDARY Maroons big man Petero Civoniceva today backed Jacob Lillyman as the man to fill his front-row spot now with Ben Hannant out of Origin I. Hannant, who has played 12 matches for Queensland, was the front-runner to slot into Civoniceva's vacated No. 10 jumper for the series opener in Sydney on June 5. But coach Mal Meninga's plans came undone when the Brisbane prop suffered a grade-two calf tear against Parramatta last Saturday night. That opened the door for Canberra's Dave Shillington, Rooster Martin Kennedy or Brisbane tyro Josh McGuire to fill one of the few remaining spots in Queensland's line-up. But Civoniceva, who retired last season after 33 Origins and 45 Tests, said he'd opt for Warriors workhorse Lillyman, who played the last of his six matches for the Maroons in 2011. Jake Lillyman has been there and done it before. He's got that Origin experience," Civoniceva told Triple M. He's a tough player and he loves those big matches. I think he's someone who could slot in. I think he'd get the job done. Civoniceva, though, insisted the door remained open for other contenders to force their way into Queensland's 17. Promoting Lillyman to the starting side would likely mean a bench spot remains free. "It's now the chance for the next line of great props we've got coming through to shine," Civoniceva said. It's a tough one because we've got quite a few candidates. It was great to see big Shillo back. The form of Martin Kennedy for the Roosters has come into the eyes of selectors. And Josh McGuire has unfortunately had a tough start to the season but he's someone that the selectors could see wearing that No.10 jersey. Civoniceva also scoffed at Sam Thaiday's light-hearted comments yesterday that he could yet make a Maroons comeback. The 37-year-old is now playing semi-professionally for Redcliffe in the Queensland Cup and admitted there was "not a chance in hell" of a fairytale return, despite the Hannant blow.