State of Origin legends Petero Civoniceva and Bradley Clyde believe Josh Papalii will blossom in his shift from back row to prop, backing him to emulate his childhood hero Ruben Wiki and master both positions.
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Civoniceva believes it can only enhance the Canberra Raiders' hopes of earning a Queensland recall this year as the Maroons look to wrest back the Origin trophy.
New Zealand legend Wiki began his career in the backs before shifting to back row at the Raiders, and finished his career in the front row for the Warriors.
Raiders legend Clyde said the greater speed of the modern game makes it inevitable more quick and agile players like Papalii will eventually find themselves in the middle third of the field.
Papalii was chosen as a specialist prop for Australia's Four Nations campaign and his speed and footwork can give the Raiders pack an injection of flair.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart again left out big men David Shillington and Shannon Boyd for Sunday night's home clash against the Warriors, opting for a more agile pack by moving Papalii and naming back-rowers Jarrad Kenney and Luke Bateman.
But two-time Clive Churchill medal winner Clyde said Papalii's heart must be in it for the move to work.
"He has to want to do it," Clyde said.
"If he's fully engaged in being the best front-rower he can, there's not a great deal to change, but a change nonetheless in the way he approaches the game.
"[In back row] he's always had the luxury of having a rest after doing some work, whereas you can't do that in the middle of the field.
"You're involved in the play all the time, if not physically you have to be ready."
"There'll be more agile players in the front row. These days you have to be very good at getting up off the ground and filling gaps.
"I like the way he plays and it's probably not too dissimilar to Paul Gallen. Probably not the same work rate but the quality is definitely there."
"Ricky [Stuart, Raiders coach] wouldn't have put him in there if he didn't think he had a big enough motor.
"There is some similarities with Ruben, certainly in defence, as both make some tremendous hits.
"As soon as an attacker started crabbing across the field, you almost felt sorry for them because you knew what was in store for them."
Clyde said the fact Papalii is still just 22 gives him plenty of time to adapt to the front row, where players traditionally don't reach their peak until their late twenties.
"Playing front-row in first grade that early, there's only one way to go and he's going to be there for some time," Clyde said.
"If I'm Josh Papalii, I'd be listening to his coaches and really make this front-row move work."
Civoniceva agreed with Clyde front-rowers of the future need to be more agile and believes it's a point of difference which could catapult Papalii back into Mal Meninga's Maroons.
"The great thing about him is he's got that versatility and in regards to Origin, I'm sure Mal would look favourable on guys like him who can play multiple positions," Civoniceva said.
"Ruben was one of the most respected players to ever play the game, but Josh is making his own path.
"His skill level adds another element to the front row and I think he'll be well suited to it, I don't think it will be a problem for him.
"It's effectively what he does anyway. He's great at generating momentum for his team and no doubt he'll do that in there for the Raiders."
SUNDAY
NRL round two: Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors at Canberra Stadium, 6.30pm.
Tickets available from Ticketek.
TV Time: Live on Fox Sports 1.
