An honest Jock Campbell admits he didn't do enough to earn Wallabies selection in 2023, looking to leave no stone unturned in 2024.
Campbell made his debut under Dave Rennie at the 2022 Spring Tour but fell out of favour this year after the change in coach.
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The 28-year-old was selected for the Australia A tour of Tonga but missed selection for the Rugby Championship and World Cup, looking to return to the form that saw him emerge on the radar.
“I just want to get back to playing good footy, I don’t think I was at my best year last year,” he conceded. “We want to have a good year after last year being bounced in the quarters which was frustrating so we want to get over the hump.
“Last years have been frustrating but we want to improve every day to get better.
“…Obviously you want to play so when you’re not selected (for the Wallabies) it’s difficult, but then you’ve got to look at your own form. Did I do everything? Was I making myself unselectable? Was I really myself out there? I’ve got to look at that before blaming anyone else.
“There was a lot happening last year but I can’t control that. I’ve got to try and get better.”
Campbell will get his chance to impress under new coach Les Kiss, who's set to bring an attacking-first focus to the Reds.
The four-Test Wallaby started at fullback as the Reds defeated Panasonic Wild Knights in an entertaining trial, believing his style of play can bring the best out of the side.
“He described the game he wants to play and to play that game, there will probably have to be a lot of running," he explained.
"So you have that expectation (of a lot of running at pre-season)…it’s a lot of work rate from the forwards and backs, working hard to create overlaps so the running capacity for us backs is going to have to increase which is good.
“I think it’s good and suits our team. We’ve got to put in the hard work now and hopefully, we can maintain that load throughout the year.”
