Campbell targets Wallabies starting jersey after three-year Test absence

Queensland Reds fullback Jock Campbell has made clear he is gunning for the starting No.15 jersey as the Wallabies prepare for the Nations Championship, ending a three-year absence from the Test arena under new coach Joe Schmidt.

Campbell last wore Wallaby gold on the ill-fated 2022 end-of-year tour under Dave Rennie — a campaign that captured both the best and worst of his game. His elusive running earned him a try, but a missed tackle on French winger Damien Penaud in the 75th minute proved costly as France edged Australia 30-29. He has not been selected at Test level since.

His recall for the 2026 squad was built squarely on Super Rugby Pacific form. Campbell finished the regular season as the outright leader for metres gained and ranked inside the top ten for clean breaks, while also showing a more physical edge in contact — six dominant tackles, level with fellow Wallaby and Reds teammate Filipo Daugunu.

Campbell credited improved physical health as the foundation for his resurgence. “I got a great physio back at the Reds, and he really fixed not only my hammy, but a few other injuries,” he said. “It’s a bit of a snowball effect; the body is feeling good, you have a few good touches, and then you get a bit more confidence and things just start happening.”

He faces direct competition from incumbent Tom Wright of the ACT Brumbies, who has been Schmidt’s trusted first choice when fit. Wright is working his way back to full sharpness after rupturing his ACL during last year’s Rugby Championship in South Africa, having played seven Super Rugby matches this season as part of his recovery.

Campbell was unambiguous about his ambitions when asked whether he wanted to start. “Oh yeah, I would love to start — I think everyone here wants to start,” he said. “If you don’t have that mindset, it’s the wrong mindset to have.”

With Schmidt selecting the squad primarily on current club form, Campbell arrives in camp with as strong a statistical case as anyone. Whether that translates into a starting berth when the Nations Championship kicks off next week remains Schmidt’s call.