The NRL stat that isn't one, but should be: Working out which forwards really pull their weight
Who are the hardest working big men in the NRL?
South Sydney forward Chris McQueen is hoping to cash in on his status as a Queensland State of Origin star with an improved contract from the NRL club.
The back-rower was a shock selection for the Maroons last year and graduated from the bench in the series opener to a place in the starting side in games two and three.
McQueen has been with the Rabbitohs since 2008 where he started out as a winger but under the guidance of coach Michael Maguire developed into a top-class back-rower.
The 26-year-old signed a new deal last year less than three months before being selected by Maroons coach Mal Meninga.
However, there was no clause inserted in the contract for an immediate upgrade should he achieve representative honours.
Souths have already recruited Penrith’s Tim Grant as a replacement for Sam Burgess for next year on an agreement estimated to be in the region of $350,000 and narrowly missed out on signing Cronulla’s Wade Graham.
Rabbitohs back-rower Ben Te’o is also reported to be eyeing a move to French rugby and McQueen is now hoping for a bigger slice of the pie to bring his $135,000 deal in line with his Queensland teammates.
“I extended my contracted midway through last year until the end of this year and next year,” McQueen told AAP.
“But I actually signed before I played Origin. I’d like to think the club are going to do the right thing by me.
“My management have had some talks with club management and hopefully we can re-negotiate an upgrade for another couple of years.”
Despite Queensland’s history of continuity, McQueen is not taking selection for game one in Brisbane on May 28 for granted.
“I am not really too sure if I’ll get in, I hope so,” he said.
“I’m playing alright and hopefully getting some attention up there.
“I think I did an okay job last year and hopefully I’ll get another start.”
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