‘Good for the game’: QLD Reds fullback weighs in on new offside rule made by Super Rugby Pacific to encourage counter attack.

Queensland Reds fullback Jock Campbell has weighed in on Super Rugby Pacific’s innovation to the Offside Law to encourage counterattack. See what he had to say about the new rule which will encourage more entertaining footy for fans.

Queensland Reds fullback Jock Campbell believes a new Offside Law tweak will open up more exciting counter-attack when the Super Rugby Pacific season kicks-off at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday week.

“I love it. It just opens up the game,” Campbell said of the experimental law announced on Tuesday.

Campbell will get an early chance to prove it because he’s likely to start at fullback in the Reds’ blockbuster opener to the season against the New South Wales Waratahs on February 24.

He’s already proved himself to be in top form with a fine 40m solo try and a hand in two more when the Reds toppled the Waratahs 32-7 in a trial in Roma last weekend.

His two strong trial efforts at No. 15 have likely put him ahead of Wallaby Jordan Petaia, who is now likely to be used elsewhere in the backline.

The Queensland Reds after winning their trial match against the New South Wales Waratahs on the weekend. Photo credit: Anthony Wingard/ QRU.

Super Rugby Pacific has today announced a tweak to the Offside Law to encourage teams to run the ball back after receiving kicks during the 2024 season.

Previously the law stated that players in front of the kicker could be put onside as soon as the kick receiver had either passed the ball or run five metres with the ball.

However, in response to feedback from fans saying they wanted to see running rugby, Super Rugby Pacific’s offside law has now scrapped that law meaning defenders will remain offside until they have been put onside by a teammate who has come from behind the kicker, or the kicker themself.

“We want to create a game that’s exciting for our fans and enjoyable for our players. Part of that is seeing our players running the ball rather than trading multiple kicks in a battle for territory,” Super Rugby Pacific Chair Kevin Malloy said.

“I’m stoked in it (the new rule). You have to be run onside. Our philosophy on counter-attack is our forwards have to work back and not stay up there anyway so it doesn’t really affect us too much.

“But it just opens up the game. I think it was an old rule anyway. Like who wants to see more kicking?

“That (the old rule) was silly because it pretty much forces you to kick when someone is standing 10 metres in front of you and waiting for you to either pass or run five metres so I think it will be good for the game.”

“Teams that did it well, it was an advantage for them,” Campbell said.

Jock Campbell in action during the Queensland Reds trial match against the New South Wales Waratahs. Photo credit: Anthony Wingard/ QRU.

“I think the Crusaders did it last year to good effect where it just puts you under pressure.

“You see in the Six Nations where Finn Russell (Scotland fly half) catches and stops. He takes two steps and tries to draw them offside and it’s just like a stalemate.

“It’s tough to play against it. If done well it really stifles your counter attack. I am very happy.

“I think it’s a great change.”