Super Rugby: Reds pair Jock Campbell and Jordan Petaia in fullback battle

Reds co-captain Tate McDermott says the battle for Queensland’s fullback spot between good friends Jock Campbell and Jordan Petaia is “awkward” but also “healthy”.

Campbell and Petaia have swapped positions for the Reds’ Super Rugby Pacific clash with Western Force at Suncorp Stadium.

Petaia will move to his preferred fullback role, with Campbell, who has worn the No.15 jersey in recent weeks, being shifted to the wing.

“(Petaia) and Jock are pretty good mates so it’s an interesting little battle going on there, and potentially awkward sometimes, but it’s good for those two,” McDermott said.

“It’s healthy competition. They get the best out of each other.

“What we’ve seen from Jordan in these first eight games has been class. We know he’s capable of that and he loves playing (at fullback).

“His form there at the start of the year gives him plenty of confidence to go out and do more of the same this weekend.”

A vintage Petaia performance could be just what the Reds need on Saturday night in their bid to secure back-to-backs win for the first time this season.

One of Queensland’s three wins this season was a 71-20 demolition of the Force early last month.

However, McDermott is expecting a much tougher Force this weekend.

We’re looking after our own backyard, but we know and respect the challenge the Force pose,” he said.

“They’re well coached and they’ve got good players in most positions, so it’s going to be crunch time come Saturday night.

“It’s crucial we get results quickly at this stage. We’ve had a pretty average star to the year.”

Reds: Sef Fa’agase, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Connor Vest, Seru Uru. Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Lawson Creighton, Jock Campbell, James O’Connor, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jordan Petaia. Bench: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Peni Ravai, Ryan Smith, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu.

Force: Charlie Hancock, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Felix Kalapu, Jeremy Williams, Tim Anstee, Carlo Tizzano, Michael Wells, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Bryce Hegarty, Manasa Mataele, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Zach Kibirige, Chase Tiatia. Bench: Feleti Kaitu’u, Marley Pearce, Siosifa Amone, Ryan McCauley, Rahboni Vosayaco, Gareth Simpson, Bayley Kuenzle, George Poolman.

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