Fullback Jock Campbell will play his 100th game for the Queensland Reds in Fiji on Saturday afternoon when the experienced Ben Volavola gears up for a potential debut.
The milestone is well deserved for Campbell who has been one of the form fullbacks in Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific with influential recent performances against the ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs.
Campbell, 30, will become just the second Queensland fullback to reach the 100-game milestone, after the great Chris Latham, when he runs out against the Fijian Drua in Lautoka on Saturday.
In his eighth season for the Reds, Campbell's gliding dynamism from the back has become his calling card with 24 tries across his career for the club as Queensland player #1339.
"It's definitely a honour. For me, the biggest thing is making sure I play my part in strong team performances," the humble Campbell said.
"I guess one aspect is passing on some of my experience. I've spoken to a few of the young guys in the squad about playing in Fiji and being prepared for the conditions and the crowd."
Volavola has been selected on the bench for the first time and is likely to make his Reds debut. He is well acquainted with playing in Fiji, the country he has represented 38 times in Tests across a long career.
He has played in two games in recent weeks for the Reds Development XV against Brisbane club sides to earn his place as a utility back.
Flyhalf Carter Gordon, flanker Fraser McReight and prop Zane Nonggorr will miss this match.
"It's part of the process of having regeneration weeks for players. Fraser, Carter and Zane will miss this game," Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said.
"This creates opportunities for prop Nick Bloomfield and backrower John Bryant, who have both played in our three Development games. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has played for us in every game this season and will start this one at flyhalf."
There is a start at halfback for Kalani Thomas, who has been a spark off the bench in the Reds' run of three wins. Louis Werchon will play off the bench on Saturday.
Hunter Paisami returns from two games off with an ankle issue. He will partner Isaac Henry in the centres.
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson will step up to skipper the side in McReight's absence.
Kiss paid tribute to Campbell and all he continues to contribute to the Reds.
"It's fantastic to see a guy like Jock reach this milestone. Since day one of my time at the club (in late 2023), Jock has been fantastic to work with. He's been like another coach and he's in the form of his life at the moment," Kiss said.
"He certainly helps a lot of the young backs in the squad, both at training and with his voice in the back three in games.
"Our Development matches are not just for young guys to play in our system but for experienced guys like Ben Volavola, who made the most of his minutes coming back from rehab."
Kiss said the challenge of facing the Drua in Fiji was one the Reds were preparing for.
"The Drua have had back-to-back wins at home in good fashion. They've certainly grown their game and we know they have dangerous players across the pitch. We expect a massive challenge," Kiss said.
Saturday, March 21
Churchill Park, Lautoka
1:35pm AEST
Watch live on Stan Sport
1 Aidan Ross - Bond University - Otumoetai College, NZ - Te Puke Sports
2 Josh Nasser - University of Queensland - St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace - Easts
3 Nick Bloomfield - Easts - Anglican Church Grammar School - Easts
4 Seru Uru - Easts - Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli RC, Fiji
5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - Souths - John Edmondson HS, Sydney - Southern Districts, Sydney
6 Joe Brial - University of Queensland - Scots College - Easts, Sydney
7 John Bryant - Souths - St Laurence’s College - Souths
8 Harry Wilson (c) - Brothers - St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace - Gunnedah Red Devils
9 Kalani Thomas - Souths - Ipswich Grammar - Souths
10 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips - Wests - Brisbane Boys’ College - Gunnedah Red Devils
11 Tim Ryan - Brothers - St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
12 Hunter Paisami - Wests - Mangere College, Auckland - Manukau Rovers
13 Isaac Henry - Wests - Brisbane Boys' College - Kenmore Bears
14 Filipo Daugunu - Sunnybank - Dogotuki District School, Fiji
15 Jock Campbell - University of Queensland - The Southport School - Inverell Highlanders
16 Richie Asiata - Sunnybank - Anglican Church Grammar School
17 George Blake - Bond University - The Southport School - Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen - Norths - Wellington College, NZ
19 Hamish Muller - Brothers - Toowoomba Grammar - USQ Saints
20 Vaiuta Latu - Brothers - St Peters Lutheran College - Pine Rivers Pumas
21 Louis Werchon - Wests - Sunshine Coast Grammar - Maroochydore Swans
22 Ben Volavola* - Sunnybank - Newington College - Seaforth Raiders, Sydney
23 Treyvon Pritchard - Brothers - Anglican Church Grammar School - Springfield Hawks
*Potential Queensland Reds debut
