Pride’s Campagnolo helps Italy qualify for the 2021 World Cup

A Far North Queensland footballer has helped a European nation qualify for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

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A Far North Queensland footballer has helped a European nation qualify for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

Tully’s Jack Campagnolo played a leading hand as Italy romped to a 34-4 win against Spain at the Stadio Communale Teghil in Lignano, Italy.

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Campagnolo, who played his junior footy for the Tully Tigers, scored a try and kicked five goals to finish with a 14-point haul in the hard-fought win.

Italy spent most of the second half with just 12 men on the paddock after Ethan Napoli was sent off for a high tackle, and even dropped to 11 men for 10 minutes when winger Emanuele Passera sat in the sin bin.

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But Italy, directed around the park by the Northern Pride-contracted Campagnolo, couldn’t be stopped.

Italy’s win also means Ireland have qualified for the World Cup, which will be held in England from October 23 to November 27.

Italy will this week face off with Ireland, though both teams have already punched their ticket to the competition.

Campagnolo debuted for the Pride in August, 2017, and has played 27 Queensland Cup games.

He played 16 games this year between the halves, hooker, and as a bench utility.

ITALY 34 (Passera 2, Campagnolo, King, Santi, Tramontana tries; Campagnolo 5 goals) def SPAIN 4 (Franco try).

Originally published as Pride’s Campagnolo helps Italy qualify for the 2021 World Cup