Jock Campbell has never been one for the spotlight. Now, he's the self-styled 'stand-in' face of Queensland's historic clash with Wales.
Fresh from signing a one-year contract extension on Monday and being named Queensland's 127th skipper, the softly-spoken Campbell has been tested in new ways by fronting two press conferences this week alone.
Tickets to Reds v Wales on Friday July 19 available here.
Campbell, 29, was quick to cement his status as "stand-in captain" on Thursday, joking that media commitments could be the reason Liam Wright and Tate McDermott shared a regular co-captaincy.
Yet the enormity of leading Queensland against the 12-time Grand Slam winners isn't lost on him.
"Yeah I was surprised, I think (when) Les just came up to me and told me it was a bit of a shock," Campbell told rugby.com.au.
"I waited to get home, I'm not big on attention or anything so I didn't call anyone straight away. I sort of just snuck it under the radar to my girlfriend and had a nice moment there.
"But it's cool, I'm very proud and my parents are also very proud.
"I guess growing up in a small town like Inverell and playing for the Highlanders there and watching the men's side on a Saturday afternoon kicking the footy around, to come up here and captain Queensland sort of hasn't hit me just yet.
"I'm sure that on Friday night after the game it will when I'm with my family there, it's pretty cool.
Campbell has trekked the well-trodden path through Queensland's rugby scene - three Hospital Cup titles with UQ and a NRC 'toast rack" with Queensland Country to go with 79 Super Rugby caps - but tomorrow night's tour match presents an entirely new challenge.
The Reds haven't tackled an international opponent since Scotland (2004) and last faced Wales in 1991 with an uncapped John Eales among their best on ground in a 35-24 win.
Rugby historians will note the 1991 Welsh side was particularly poor - they went on to fall 63-6 to Australia in Eales' Test debut weeks later before bombing out in the Rugby World Cup pool stage - and Warren Gatland's selections show he has no desire to be lumped in the same camp.
Desperate to end a nine-game losing streak, Gatland will roll out a host Test regulars with Gareth Davies Nick Tompkins, Mason Grady and Rio Dyer joining high-profile league convert Regan Grace out wide.
For their part, Queensland have backed new blood to tame the Welsh Dragon with clubland debutants Dre Pakeho joining Will Cartwright and Rebels quartet Josh Canham, Matt Gibbon, Lachie Anderson and Mason Gordon on the pine.
Throw in an expected crowd of 22,000 at Suncorp Stadium - Queensland's biggest home crowd since 2021 - and the stage is set for an epic contest.
"After the Super season, sometimes you can lack good quality footy so to have the opportunity to play an international team like Wales is not lost on the group," Campbell said.
"Everyone's super excited and keen to get out there and show what we can do.
"(The Rebels boys) came in the last week and had a fair bit to learn but they've knuckled down and really got to know what Reds rugby is all about.
"I'm sure once they get on the field they'll just express themselves and do us all proud."
The Reds v Wales clash kicks off at 7:55pm live and exclusive on Stan Sport.
