Les Kiss: The Reds star who’s gone to ‘another level’ this season

Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss believes Jock Campbell has taken his game to another level in Super Rugby Pacific this season, with the fullback starring in recent Australian derby wins over the ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs.

While Carter Gordon was the hero for the Reds against the Brumbies, Campbell’s performance didn’t go unnoticed. Campbell made an equal game-high two linebreaks as the Queenslanders secured a rare win down in the nation’s capital.

Back at Suncorp Stadium in round five, Campbell was again prolific as the Reds held on for a dramatic 26-17 victory against their fierce rivals. The 30-year-old was a co-leader for linebreaks and carries, was equal second for turnovers won, and ran for more than 55 metres.

Campbell set up Harry Wilson for the opening try in the sixth minute, having reeled in a Gordon before getting a pass off to the Wallabies skipper. It was 7-all at half-time, before a point-scoring blitz had both Reds and Tahs fans sitting on the edge of their seats during the second term.

Campbell made a line break to ultimately set up Gordon in the 63^rd minute, before making a game-defining difference in defence. Triston Reilly almost scored with a spectacular somersault finish in the corner, but Campbell did enough to prevent the try inside the final 10 minutes.

Gordon ended up scoring the final try of the match a couple of minutes later, as the Reds held on for an important win at home. The Reds dropped their opening match of the season to the Tahs but have since won their last three on the bounce, before facing the Drua this weekend.

“I think he’s always been in pretty good form but he has certainly gone another level this season,” Kiss said when asked about Campbell.

“He seems to be fitter, faster, stronger. I think he’s relishing that our game’s growing overall as well. We’re building our game in many different ways, trying to make sure that we’re a team for all seasons in a way.

“His leadership from the back has been very good for us.”

Campbell is set for a milestone appearance in Reds colours this weekend, having been named to start at fullback against the Fijian Drua at Lautoka’s Churchill Park. This will be Campbell’s 100^th appearance for the Reds.

The capped Wallaby has made Reds history over the years, captaining the team against Wales at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium in July 2024, before again leading the side against the touring British & Irish Lions last year.

“It’s great news [that] a milestone like that has been reached for Jock,” Kiss explained.

“When I first came to the club, two and a half years ago, he was one of the first guys that I worked closely with. He’s like another coach for us really and very well liked in the locker room.

“A really smart footballer, great communication skills, he’s helped a lot of our young players in that backline division over the last two years.

“It’s great reward for him.”