Queensland Reds fullback Jock Campbell believes the fierce competition for position is only growing the quality in the squad as they look to rectify last month’s defeat to the Western Force.
Coach Les Kiss has left a host of stars at home, including skipper Fraser McReight, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Flook and Filipo Daugunu, leaving Campbell as one of the more experienced guys in the squad.
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The fullback, set for his 100th Super Rugby appearance, is confident their replacements can not only fill the void but add a new element to their game as players fight for not only Reds spots, but a potential Wallabies call-up with coach Joe Schmidt in the stands.
“I think you look at our backline, there's a lot of contested spots,” he said.
“Isaac Henry was playing great footy, obviously missing the last couple of weeks, so he gets an opportunity now. You’ve obviously got ‘Ando’ [Lachlan Anderson] back with Timmy [Ryan] on the wings and Trevon [Pritchard, on the bench], so I feel like as a backline, we've got a lot of strengths and a lot of good players.
“I don’t envy 'Kissy's job in the coming weeks to pick a backline, and I think some good players are going to miss out, so full confidence in the backline and the whole team we’re putting forward this weekend.”
Despite the changes, the Reds aren’t looking past the Force, who sit in tenth, knowing full well their capabilities after a 42-19 home loss a month ago.
Since then, the Reds have been back towards their best, nabbing wins over the Crusaders and ACT Brumbies, whilst narrowly losing to the Blues and Chiefs.
It’s built a belief that the visitors can avoid a sweep against the Force, while keeping their slim home final hopes alive.
“Obviously it wasn't our best night there at Suncorp. I think it was just a reminder of how tough the competition is,” Campbell admits.
“I feel like we were trending in the right direction from the start of the season, obviously had a little blimp there, but then we had to refocus what our big rocks are, what we do well, and just narrow in on those things.
“…I think it's going to be hard for us to get top three so anything we can do to give us the chance is our team's focus at the moment."
Campbell is one of several players celebrating milestones at HBF Park, with former teammates Sef Fa’agase (100th) and Mac Grealy (50th) also reaching big marks.
“That’s cool for the three of us to have a little milestone together,” Campbell added. “I've played a lot of footy with Sef and he was at UQ when I first started back in 2014, so I've known him a long time and Mac as well. [They’re] good people which is probably the most important thing for me.”
