Brad Thorn won an NRL title with Darren Lockyer and played for the All Blacks with Ben Smith.
Now, the usually reserved Queensland Reds head coach has managed to compare unsung fullback Jock Campbell to both luminaries in the surest sign yet that Campbell is ready for higher honours.
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Jock Campbell impressed Reds coach Brad Thorn with his return to Super Rugby in Saturday night's win over the Rebels. (File photo).
Thorn's eye-raising remarks came after the Reds' 23-5 defeat of the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific match on a wet Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium.
Poor skills made for tough viewing at times but a sharp, clean and direct Campbell, back in the No.15 after a groin injury slowed him in 2021, was a sight for sore eyes.
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The 26-year-old beat the first man, took care of the high ball, kicked with confidence and finished with a deserved try when centre Josh Flook's audacious cross-field kick to his flank came off.
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Harry Wilson (in the red scrum cap) is congratulated after scoring one of the Reds' three tries against the Rebels.
The Reds’ other tries came from Wallabies forwards Harry Wilson and Taniela Tupou.
Campbell told AAP last year that he considers Tom Banks, a former club teammate, to be the country's premier fullback.
But the Brumbies star's injury, just as he was warming to the task in the gold jersey, has ensured the door remains open ahead of the 2023 World Cup.
Though Campbell was overlooked, even as part of a 40-man squad by Australian coach Dave Rennie last year, Thorn took the chance to talk up his man.
"He's got a big kick, defensively [solid], he moves so nicely, he's got this movement like a (Darren) Lockyer-style step," Thorn said while imitating the smooth moves of Campbell and the former Queensland rugby league great.
"He's [Campbell] a banker, you feel good when he's on the park.
"He could comfortably go up another level ... but he's like one of those guys you can pass over.
"Not as flashy; it's like they don't have bling or whatever, but they always seem to make the right decisions."
Campbell played in his school's third-grade side before plying his trade at the University of Queensland while studying, then getting his professional look-in via the now-defunct National Rugby Championship.
"He's been chipping away ... and, for me, the guy I think of is similar in style, is Ben Smith," Thorn said.
"It took him a while ... if you see him on the street you don't go, 'oh that looks like a Super Rugby player'.
"He played club, played for Otago and got little goes and by the end of his career he was one of the best fullbacks in the world
"To see those guys come through that way is pretty cool; they've earned everything they get."
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Two Reds defenders jolt the ball clear from Taniela Tupou’s grasp, but the big Reds prop scored a try during his side’s 23-5 win.
Meanwhile, Rebels coach Kevin Foote arrived at Suncorp Stadium without injured quartet Andrew Kellaway, Rob Leota, Trevor Hosea and Pone Fa'amausili, while star winger Marika Koroibete has departed for Japan.
The coach left Brisbane scratching his head as he attempted to find positives after a 23-5 loss to the Queensland Reds riddled with errors and a lack of physicality.
Hooker Jordan Uelese did his best to play on after an injection but limped off in the second half.
New captain Michael Wells wasn't about to blame the weather though, challenging his side to quickly find their stride despite the mounting injury toll.
"We had weak moments and we have to go back and fix them otherwise we'll be in the same position next week," he said.
"I have full faith in the group, we just need to show it ... words mean very little in this circumstance; it's time for action."
Foote lamented his side's poor exit play, set piece mistakes and the Reds' easy metres around the ruck.
But he expects to see progression against the Western Force in Melbourne next Saturday, despite the likelihood none of his injured big-name men will return.
"Jeez, we'd had a great run in, then the last two weeks it hasn't fallen for us," he said of their injuries.
"What do you do? You can't get negative, you back the guys that are there.
"They fit, I promise you they fit."
AT A GLANCE
Queensland Reds 23 (Jock Cambpell, Harry Wilson, Taniela Tupou tries; James O’Connor conv, 2 pen) Melbourne Rebels 5 (Brad Wilkins try). HT: 13-5.