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AAP
AAP
Murray Wenzel

Campbell in fine company as Fiji-bound Reds rest stars

In-form fullback Jock Campbell is set to bring up his 100-game milestone for the Queensland Reds (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

The Queensland Reds will chase a Fiji breakthrough without in-form flyhalf Carter Gordon and their captain and Wallabies star Fraser McReight.

Prop Zane Nonggorr has also been rested for the Drua fixture in Lautoka, where Jock Campbell will join Chris Latham as a 100-game fullback for the Reds.

Campbell has been in scintillating form to begin the season and will have Hunter Paisami in the midfield on his injury return alongside the in-form Isaac Henry and Filipo Daugunu.

The 30-year-old is reluctant to dwell on his rugby journey that saw him playing second XV rugby at school and work his way through the grades in club rugby before winning a Test debut in 2022.

Jock Campbell and the Reds are chasing a Fiji breakthrough.
Jock Campbell and the Queensland Reds are chasing a Fiji breakthrough. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

"It's cool, other people think my story's cooler than myself," Campbell said of his unique journey to join the likes of Wallabies greats Tim Horan, John Eales and Latham in the Reds' 100 club.

"It sounds a little bit ridiculous to me. (It's) something I'm proud of and I guess hasn't quite hit me yet.

"I'm feeling good, the body's feeling the best it has in a little while and (we're winning) some tight games we might not have won in the past."

Ben Volavola has been added to the bench for a likely Reds debut, while playmaker Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will wear the No.10 as Gordon is managed and Tom Lynagh remains on the injured list.

Nick Bloomfield will pack into the front row with Wallabies prop Nonggorr missing, while John Bryant will replace McReight.

The Reds have won three straight games but have never tasted success in Fiji, then have a testing trip to Wellington to face the Hurricanes a week later.

James Hendren (wrist) has been ruled out for the NSW Waratahs, with Harry Potter moving off the bench to start on the wing and Sid Harvey shifted to fullback.

Lock Miles Amatosero will also start in Sydney against the Blues on Saturday.

James Slipper will break the Super Rugby record with his 203rd appearance when the ACT Brumbies host the Chiefs in Canberra on Friday.

Coach Stephen Larkham has made a host of changes after resting or benching regular starters for last week's loss to the Drua.

Wallabies winger Corey Toole is also back after missing two games with a leg injury.

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