In-form Reds fullback Jock Campbell says he still harbours a dream to play for the Wallabies, after savouring a short – but highly dramatic – stint in the gold jersey four years ago.
And Campbell has put himself in the frame for a recall in coming weeks after a career-best season for Queensland, at an age most expect flying outside backs to be slowing up and winding down. Including Campbell.
“I turned 31 the other day, but I am running faster than I ever, which was a bit of a shock to me when I saw some of the data,” he said. “I thought getting old meant you will just naturally drop off a bit.”
Campbell will run out for the Reds against the Chiefs in the Super Rugby qualifying finals on Saturday in Hamilton, and he’s a critical part of Queensland’s hopes of ending a long-running habit of losing on the first weekend of the play-offs.
Since 2022, the Reds have been beaten in the quarter or qualifying finals every year; twice against the Crusaders and twice against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
They’re not alone. In 21 attempts since 1996, no Australian side has won a play-off game in New Zealand.
“We’ve always thought it’s achievable, but you gotta go out and do it,” Campbell said.
“The last couple of years we’ve got blitzed a bit early, and then it’s just so hard because they [Kiwi teams] are strong at set-piece, have strong kicking games and so on. So you really need a good start and just get into that arm wrestle.
“The physicality goes up a notch, and finals footy is similar to Test match footy in there’s more kicking and more intensity. Maybe the last couple of years we’ve gone in trying to play too much like the regular season – but this year we’ve developed a nice balance in our game.”
The game could potentially be Les Kiss’ last as Reds coach after three seasons. But while that motivation – along with a ticking clock for the now-experienced Reds team to win some finals together – is in the back of the players’ minds, Campbell says the main driver is to play to their potential.
“We have shown an ability to dig deep and show character, but our good and our bad it is too far apart at the moment,” he said.
Campbell has been one of the stars for the Reds in 2026, with outstanding open-field running and link play. The age-defying speed came after intensive rehab following a hamstring injury late last year, and Campbell has since tallied up the most run metres of any player in Super Rugby, averaging more than 100 metres a game. He is also in the top 10 for offloads, try assists and defenders beaten.
Throw in the mature game management of a senior player, and Campbell has staked a strong claim for the Wallabies fullback jersey for Tests against Ireland, France and Italy in July. Tom Wright is still coming back to form after a knee injury, and Max Jorgensen is better suited to the wing.
“It’s the pinnacle obviously, so if the opportunity ever arises again, like most people, you’d want to take it,” Campbell said.
Campbell played four Tests on the 2022 spring tour under coach Dave Rennie, making his debut against Scotland before starting at fullback against France. Campbell played well, scoring a try and helping lay on Lalakai Foketi’s insane end-to-end try, but he was also fended off by Damian Penaud for a late winner in the hosts’ 30-29 escape.
The next week, Campbell started again in the infamous loss to Italy, and came off the bench in the Wallabies’ 39-34 win over Wales, when they came from from 34–13 behind.
“It was an interesting tour, but I still look back and I had a great time,” Campbell said. “Obviously it didn’t end great and blew up there, but we still had some great performances, like almost beating the French in France, and then Cardiff as well, with the comeback win.
“There were a lot of good moments and a lot of tough moments.”
Rennie was sacked after the tour, and Campbell was among many Wallabies who were then discarded by new coach Eddie Jones. Joe Schmidt’s arrival in 2024 didn’t bring a recall, though, with Campbell continuing to be overlooked.
“I guess you always have a little bit of doubt. Joe’s good at communicating to the players, so he’s always given good feedback – you feel the connection there,” he said.
“But I guess not being in the group for a little bit and obviously getting on in age, you have those thoughts. But you can only do one thing and that’s get on with it. Keep working hard and keep putting your hand up.”
Iain Payten is a senior sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.