Experienced fullback Jock Campbell returns to the Queensland Reds’ starting team for Friday night’s Anzac Day blockbuster against the Blues at Suncorp Stadium.
Campbell has made two appearances from the bench in his comeback from a forearm fracture to now be a key figure for this feature clash in SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific.
“It’s great to see Jock back in action. He’s played off the bench in recent games and we know his experience will be massively important in a game like this,” Reds head coach Les Kiss said.
“We know his ability in counter-attack. His communication in organising the back three is also a trait of his experience.
“We have been delighted with how Heremaia Murray has contributed and he will from the bench in this game.”
Prop Massimo De Lutiis returns to the match-day squad and will play off the bench in this game.
“Our scrum has been one of the strongest in the competition. This is kudos to all our props as we mix-and-match again,” Kiss said.
The Reds will wear their special khaki Anzac jersey against the Auckland-based Blues.
At Ballymore today, Kiss unveiled a plaque honouring the 60 former Reds players who served in wartime and the 11 who did not return. It will form the centrepiece of an Anzac memorial for Herston thanks to Federal Government funding.
Kiss said the Anzac Day occasion was significant for his team of young men. An Anzac service with the Ode of Remembrance, the playing of the national anthems, a bugler playing The Last Post and an Acknowledgement of Country will take place before kick-off.
“Last year’s Anzac Weekend Round match was a special occasion for both the players of both sides and the spectators at Suncorp Stadium and it will be again,” Kiss said.
“The match will represent the true spirit of the occasion.
“It’s great that we are up against the defending champions of Super Rugby. They are certainly an impressive opponent with their recent form.
“They have constant threats which means being on our game defensively.”
The fourth-placed Reds return from a bye weekend with a sharpened focus on the final six games of the regular season.
“It was a welcomed break. The boys have come back focussed for the Anzac occasion, playing our game and taking advantage of the opportunities we create,” Kiss said.
Friday night’s match will be the first match played by the Reds on Anzac Day since 1998.
The Reds' Anzac jersey features unique Queensland imagery with the battledress khaki colour worn by the Australian infantry in World War One.
The sleeves feature black-over-blue hoops in memory of the colour patches worn by Queensland's infantry battalions in World War One - the 9th, 25th, 41st and 49th battalions.
Seven former Reds served in these battalions. The new maroon collar features the Rising Sun badge honouring those who served and a poppy honouring those who did not return.
The main image of Australian diggers advancing in the Battle of Broodseinde Ridge in 2017 is believed to be of Toowoomba's 25th Battalion.
Anzac Day
Friday, April 25
Suncorp Stadium
7:35pm AEST
Watch live on Stan Sport
1. Sef Fa’agase - Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High – Beaudesert Warriors
2. Richie Asiata - Sunnybank – Anglican Church Grammar School
3. Zane Nonggorr - Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
4. Josh Canham – Bond University - Brighton Grammar, Melb - Harlequins RC, Melb
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths – John Edmondson HS, Sydney – Southern Districts, Sydney
6. Seru Uru - Wests - Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli RC, Fiji
7. Fraser McReight (vc) – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar – Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
9. Tate McDermott (c) - University of Queensland - Sunshine Coast Grammar - Flinders RC
10. Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond RC, UK
11. Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
12. Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland, Manukau Rovers
13. Dre Pakeho – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School
14. Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland - Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC, Sydney
15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
16. George Blake - Bond University – The Southport School – Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
17. Alex Hodgman - Sunnybank – Mount Albert Grammar, Auckland – Suburbs RFC, Auck
18. Massimo De Lutiis - Wests – The Southport School – Surfers Paradise Dolphins
19. Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach RC
20. Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
21. John Bryant - Souths - St Laurence’s College - Souths
22. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School - Souths
23. Heremaia Murray – Bond University – Auckland Grammar - Te Rarawa RC, NZ
Unavailable through injury: Filipo Daugunu, Matt Faessler, Josh Flook, Matt Gibbon, Frankie Goldsbrough, Mason Gordon, Isaac Henry, Will McCulloch, Josh Nasser, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright
