Titans: Campbell looks up to Maroons trio

[Queenslander]

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

[DIEHARD]

I think he would do alright at fullback, but I think his home is 5/8th with Mathers at #1.

I wonder what team will take to the field this Friday.

[DeeGan]

I think he would do alright at fullback, but I think his home is 5/8th with Mathers at #1.

Agreed though Rogers I believe would excel at fullback. In saying that, if we can put a former international in at fullback (Mathers) and bolster the centre position with Rogers, who are we to complain?

I am a little miffed at the "I've always been known as a utility and I've never really had a position of my own" comment - I think he found a home at Penrith in the 6 jersey where he won a premiership.

During the pre-season I thought our halves pairing was assured - it doesn't look that way.

Is this mind games from a Gus Gould/Ricky Stuart student?

Interesting round one selections ahead in the backline.

[Coaster]

Utility is a main position nowadays.

I dont believe the game has reserves any more, with the interchange rule, the bench utility is a vital position.

I dont think he will end up on the bench, but there would be no shame if he did.

[DIEHARD]

Is this mind games from a Gus Gould/Ricky Stuart student?

Interesting round one selections ahead in the backline.

I think there is something in that theory. Especially if the Dragons base a game plan on Preston being at #1. We might get a better idea this Friday, seeing how much time and where Rogers and Mathers are played.

Any of the three would be dynamic at #1.


Utility is a main position nowadays.

I totally agree, it is a vital position. I can't see Preston being on the bench much either.

[Steve]

I'm thinking Preston will cement a spot, but it seems fairly normal for teams to shift around a bit nowadays. He's most definitely capable in the halves, and I think with a bit of practice will be great in the number 1 jersey too.
I remember his first game at Penrith, he started on the wing and played great. Girdler got injured and in went Preston to 6, a spot he made his own.

Halves and hookers are pretty interchangable too. There's no specialisation for the role anymore with the lack of contested scrums, and he has a great passing/kicking game and is explosive off the mark, all good traits for a hooker. At fullback he can come into the attack not only with his running game, but an extra go to man if the halves are under pressure.

[Coaster]

The problem i see with a guy like Preston or Bowen moving into Hooker, is that you lose a forward, and a defensive player.

I thought 1 of the major blunders Hagen did with Queensland, was remove Smith from the field to get Bowen on, specially if the game is in an arm wrestle.

To me its to big of a gamble, its betting that you can win the game in the next 15min though points, before the fowards get to tired.

[dee13]

If Preston wants to cement a place, he will have to work hard for the No1 jersey. Richie told me that he hasn't come all this way for nothing and his main focus is the no1 jersey.

[Coaster]

Well Preston can win a game single handed, I think its Richie that has his work cut out for him.

[Parra Petty]

My main concern with Preston at fullback, is that the opposition absolutely smash him on kick returns. It was noticeable (to me at least) that this was the case, and any team with a good kick chase (like the Eels) are just going to hammer him each time.

This is a waste of time, but here is my ideal Titans backline -

1. Mathers
2. Walker
3. Webster
4. Rogers
5. Barnes
6. Hilder
7. Prince

I would have Amos and Campbell interchanging at hooker - they were both electric on Saturday night at Lismore, and this would provide no let up for opposition defences. Even though I am a Parra fan, I didn't think Delaney showed the pace to cut it in the centres, and if it came down to a choice between him, Webster and Rogers, than I think Brett would miss out.

BArnes has always impressed me, but Samau, Petersen and Paea would all be pushing to play outside Matty.

Hilder and Prince combined well I thought, and Hilder also strengthens the defensive line (sorry Preston).

Just my thoughts,

Parra Petty

[Coaster]

I will have to wait untill i see Mathers play, i can honestly say, i have no idea who he is, or how he goes.

[Poida]

Preston from what I have seen of him does struggle under the high ball. I seen him drop grubbers many times.

[Kingytek]

I think and have always thought Preston should be at number 14. Yes, he is a dynamic fullback but all it would take is for oppositions to do their homework on Preston in the number 1 and find his weaknesses. Being a trial and Preston being named at fullback was probably underestimated by the opposition but I think you'll find in an NRL competition game they will definately target him.