Reds make key change at fullback for clash with ‘impressive’ Blues

Jock Campbell has been named in the Queensland Reds’ starting side for only the second time this season, with the Wallaby selected at fullback ahead of Friday night’s ANZAC Day clash with defending Super Rugby Pacific champions the Blues.

Campbell wore the No. 15 in the Reds’ round two win over Moana Pasifika at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium but has since made two appearances off the pine. The fullback came off the bench in recent defeats away to the Chiefs in Hamilton and at home against the ACT Brumbies.

Coach Les Kiss has named Campbell in an impressive outside backs trio that includes wingers Tim Ryan and Lachie Anderson. Ryan scored a hat-trick against the Blues in this same fixture last season, and ‘the Junkyard Dog’ will look to do the same this week.

With Campbell back in the starting side, Heremia Murray drops back to the bench. Murray was a reliable option for the Reds at fullback, with the New Zealander starting seven appearances out the back, including an especially positive performance against the Waratahs.

“It’s great to have 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,” 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.”

Alongside Campbell in the backline, Hunter Paisami and Dre Pakeho will line up in the midfield once again, while captain Tate McDermott will link up with fellow Wallaby Tom Lynagh in the halves.

Sef Fa’agase joins Richie Asiata and Zane Nonggorr in the front row, while Josh Canham and Lukhan Salaia-Loto are the two locks. Seru Uru, Fraser McReight and Joe Brial will combine forces as the three starting loose forwards.

On the bench, Massimo De Lutiis returns to the match-day squad.

This is a crucial clash for both the Reds and Blues, with the Queenslanders sitting in fourth-place on the ladder after 10 rounds. With a tough run home, which includes a trip to Fiji to face the Drua next week, the Reds will be eager to claim a win at home.

As for the Blues, their title defence hasn’t quite gone to plan in 2025. With only a handful of games left to play, the Blues are eighth with a 3-6 record, but a bonus point win over the Reds could see them surge up the ladder into a playoff spot.

“Last year’s ANZAC Weekend Round match was a special occasion for the players of both sides and the spectators at Suncorp Stadium and it will be again,” Kiss explained.

“The match will represent the true spirit of the occasion.

“It’s great that we are up against the defending champions of Super Rugby Pacific. They are certainly an impressive opponent with their recent form.

“They have constant threats which means being on our game defensively.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

31

39

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

60%

Queensland Reds team to take on Blues

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
Reserves:
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