Strong outing nets Campagnolo fullback spot
BENN Campagnolo didn’t miss his chance to stake a claim as the Northern Pride under-20s’ first-choice fullback with a scintillating threetry outing in their 32-22 trial win over the Cairns Foley Shield side.
The 18-year-old started the Pride’s first two trials in the halves but relished a shift to fullback on Saturday, where he displayed a deceptively powerful running game and bagged himself a hat-trick of tries.
Coach Dave Scott said he was impressed with Campagnolo’s performance, noting none of his three tries came easily.
“He scored three very, very well-taken tries and was physically manhandling some men, palming them off,” he said.
“For an 18-year-old, it was very impressive. I’ve not seen that from him and that was the first time he’s really played at the back in any capacity.
“He’s still learning a lot, but the strength and what’s he’s done in the off-season to develop his physicality really showed.”
Scott said Campagnolo had put his hand up to take on the Pride’s custodian role and, on the back of his performance, would get the nod when they opened their season against Tweed Seagulls on March 15.
“He’s going to be there for Round 1 – he has to be,” he said.
Last season, Campagnolo played in the halves with the Pride under-18s before being shifted to centre with the Pride under-20s, but Scott believes fullback could be his predominant position moving forward.
“He’s a good runner of the ball, he’s a fair size now – he’s about 90kg – and he’s got a bit of speed and he’s fit,” he said.
Scott also lumped praise on halfback Adam Hepworth, who was shifted from hooker to take Campagnolo’s place in the halves, second-rower Heilum Luki and outside backs Raymon Tuiamalo Vaega and Kenneth Fonoti.