Unsung Brisbane hero Adam Blair has paid tribute to his partner-in-crime, Sam Thaiday, saying the Queenslander is the man who should be getting the accolades since representative prop Josh McGuire was ruled out of the season with injury.

“From the moment Josh went down, Sam had to step up and he did that,” Blair said.

“As soon as he started in the front row, he’s been great. Sam is a leader. I really look up to Sam as our forward leader.

“He has been underrated but I think he’s as good as any. He has been outstanding for us.

“Prop isn’t the position he would like to play in because he’s a backrower.

“There’s been a lot of times in my career that someone says you look like Sam Thaiday.

“It begun as a coincidence but then I just ran with it. It works for me because I can get away with penalties because they think I’m Sam.

“I’m following Sam, but I look better with it.”

The Brisbane duo have an uphill task ahead of them as they prepare to face Matt Scott, James Tamou and the devastating Jason Taumalolo.