Campbell-Gillard to battle for Roos role
REAGAN Campbell-Gillard’s career-best year could get even better if the Australian debutant can force his way into the Kangaroos’ World Cup finals team.
The Penrith forward has vowed to press his claims for a spot in Mal Meninga’s best 17 in tomorrow night’s group clash against France at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.
Campbell-Gillard will be one of four rookies but could be a chance of making their best 17 following a tournament-ending injury to lock Jake Trbojevic.
Josh McGuire has been given first crack in the No.13 jumper, opening a spot on the bench for another big man should coach Meninga stick by his preference to play four forwards.
After the Kangaroos’ application to replace Trbojevic was denied by World Cup officials, Campbell-Gillard and fellow rookie Felise Kaufusi are the only remaining forwards in the squad.
“It would be really nice but obviously there’s a few boys here that can obviously get that role,” Campbell-Gillard said at the Kangaroos camp in Canberra yesterday.
“Whatever Mal wants to do. We’ll see what happens there, obviously take each week as it comes and take those chances with both hands.”
Campbell-Gillard has been rewarded with a late call-up following Andrew Fifita’s shock decision to represent Tonga at the World Cup instead of Australia.
The 24-year-old won the Merv Cartwright Medal for the Panthers’ best player, was named Dally M Interchange Player of the Year, played all 26 games for Penrith and averaged 130m and more than 27 tackles per game. His continued rise will make it hard for the new NSW Origin coach – who will be appointed later this month – to leave the impressive forward out of next year’s series against Queensland.
Asked what he expected at international level, Campbell-Gillard said: “I wouldn’t have a bloody clue.
“Playing with all those players as well, it gives me more motivation to go another level. I’ll just keep it simple, do the things I know work and hopefully that works for me.”
Meninga admitted being disappointed by the tournament’s decision to deny them a 24th player.
However, he was impressed by Campbell-Gillard’s contributions in their exhibition matches against Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
“He’s a big unit, aggressive, pretty quick, good mobility. He’s fearless, in my opinion,” he said.
“I watched him play in Fiji and he threw his body on the line, no respect for his body at times. We like that type of player in our game.”