Queenslander
26-02-07, 01:56 PM
Campbell looks up to Maroons trio
February 26, 2007 - 1:09PM
Queensland Origin custodians Billy Slater, Rhys Wesser and Matt Bowen have become role models for utility Preston Campbell as he looks to cement the Gold Coast fullback position this year.
The 165cm Campbell has returned fire at former Test No.1 Garry Jack, who said last week he would be "terrorised" with aerial bombardments if coach John Cartwright decided to leave him at fullback.
Ex-Penrith five-eighth Campbell rotated between fullback and hooker during Gold Coast's 22-10 win over Parramatta in a trial in Lismore on Saturday night but he wants to wear the No.1 jersey for the entire 2007 season.
"I don't think you want to expose him to that sort of attack because there's no question it's going to happen," Jack said.
But Campbell points to Bowen (175cm tall), Wesser (174cm) and Slater (181cm) as examples of fullbacks who have excelled in the game despite their lack of height.
"They're not real tall blokes but they're among the top five players in the comp," Campbell noted.
"They just know how to put themselves in the right position and they can catch a ball.
"It's something to look at for inspiration."
Campbell has played 14 NRL matches at fullback since 1998 - three for the now defunct Gold Coast Chargers and 11 for Cronulla.
He had a shocker at the back in round six, 2002 when Newcastle thrashed the Sharks 52-8, and last played in the key position two rounds later in a 36-10 loss to Canberra.
Cartwright has indicated he'll use Campbell to plug any holes in his squad due to injuries in a new club that lacks depth in some positions.
Former Melbourne rake Nathan Friend will be unavailable for the Titans' season-opener against St George Illawarra at Suncorp Stadium on March 18, meaning Campbell could spend some time at hooker.
"I've always been known as a utility and I've never really had a position of my own," the 29-year-old Campbell said.
"Once you get that utility tag it really sticks with you."
It's a dilemma for the obliging Campbell, who is happy to be the team's "Mr Fixit" but also wants to nail down a spot in one position.
"I felt like I had a bit more freedom out back," said Campbell, who can be dynamite in broken play, in reference to the trial against the Eels.
"It's been that long since I played there I sort of forgot where to go sometimes positional-wise.
"As the game wore on, I started coming good so I'm pretty happy with the way things went.
"I'd like to have a few more games there just to get myself familiarised with the position again."
Sydney Morning Hearld
February 26, 2007 - 1:09PM
Queensland Origin custodians Billy Slater, Rhys Wesser and Matt Bowen have become role models for utility Preston Campbell as he looks to cement the Gold Coast fullback position this year.
The 165cm Campbell has returned fire at former Test No.1 Garry Jack, who said last week he would be "terrorised" with aerial bombardments if coach John Cartwright decided to leave him at fullback.
Ex-Penrith five-eighth Campbell rotated between fullback and hooker during Gold Coast's 22-10 win over Parramatta in a trial in Lismore on Saturday night but he wants to wear the No.1 jersey for the entire 2007 season.
"I don't think you want to expose him to that sort of attack because there's no question it's going to happen," Jack said.
But Campbell points to Bowen (175cm tall), Wesser (174cm) and Slater (181cm) as examples of fullbacks who have excelled in the game despite their lack of height.
"They're not real tall blokes but they're among the top five players in the comp," Campbell noted.
"They just know how to put themselves in the right position and they can catch a ball.
"It's something to look at for inspiration."
Campbell has played 14 NRL matches at fullback since 1998 - three for the now defunct Gold Coast Chargers and 11 for Cronulla.
He had a shocker at the back in round six, 2002 when Newcastle thrashed the Sharks 52-8, and last played in the key position two rounds later in a 36-10 loss to Canberra.
Cartwright has indicated he'll use Campbell to plug any holes in his squad due to injuries in a new club that lacks depth in some positions.
Former Melbourne rake Nathan Friend will be unavailable for the Titans' season-opener against St George Illawarra at Suncorp Stadium on March 18, meaning Campbell could spend some time at hooker.
"I've always been known as a utility and I've never really had a position of my own," the 29-year-old Campbell said.
"Once you get that utility tag it really sticks with you."
It's a dilemma for the obliging Campbell, who is happy to be the team's "Mr Fixit" but also wants to nail down a spot in one position.
"I felt like I had a bit more freedom out back," said Campbell, who can be dynamite in broken play, in reference to the trial against the Eels.
"It's been that long since I played there I sort of forgot where to go sometimes positional-wise.
"As the game wore on, I started coming good so I'm pretty happy with the way things went.
"I'd like to have a few more games there just to get myself familiarised with the position again."
Sydney Morning Hearld