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How the Gold Coast’s Queensland Reds fared in first hitout

Five tries to wing rival Filipo Daugunu has made Gold Coaster Jock Campbell’s grip on a wing start extremely tenuous. Here’s how the region’s top players fared in Reds trial No.1

JAMES O’CONNOR

O’Connor set up a try on his first touch, bumping two defenders and popping an offload to unlock the defence for Filipo Daugunu’s first try.

His new-found physicality was on show again moments later, hurling defenders off him en route to a long break.

A 20 minute cameo at flyhalf didn’t inspire the same results, albeit with a lesser supporting cast than starter Isaac Lucas enjoyed in the first half.

Goalkicking honours fell to Bryce Hegarty (6/7) and Hamish Stewart (0/1) which suggests O’Connor is at best third in the pecking order.

JOCK CAMPBELL

An industrious, conservative 60 minutes from Campbell.

Nobody could offer any complaint – if not for wing rival’s Filipo Daugunu’s FIVE (5!) tries in five fewer minutes.

To judge in context, the Rebels did not bring their A team or their A game.

But with Henry Speight a certain starter on one wing, Campbell’s chances of retaining his 2019 No.14 jersey were left hanging by a thread.

His best chance may be if Daugunu’s late red card for a dangerous spear-tackle attracts further attention from the judiciary.

Filipo Daugunu. Picture: Brendan Hertel / QRU
Filipo Daugunu. Picture: Brendan Hertel / QRU

ALEX MAFI

Rival Brandon Paenga-Amosa scored a rolling maul try and scrummaged solidly, which is why Mafi needed a big shift in the second half to convince coaches of their need to start him.

After scoring just one try in 2019, Mafi scored an identical try to Paenga Amosa in his second minute on the field.

The Bond University hooker showed flashes of skill in the passing game, scrummaged effectively and was faultless in the lineout.

ANGUS BLYTH

Started the match but was relieved at halftime as part of the squad rotation.

Didn’t play much of a hand in attack with the backrow and backline dealing most of the damage.

The Reds dominated possession in the first half so even Blyth’s opportunities to contribute in defence were fewer than he might have hoped.

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/rugby/how-the-gold-coasts-queensland-reds-fared-in-first-hitout/news-story/94a9ce6d8bcc93e98ffdc1612e1d9a5d