Change of position for debut

Press, 28 April 1981, Page 32

Change of position for debut

By

JOHN COFFEY

Less than two months ago David Campbell was looking ahead to spending the rugby league season at loose forward. but in a short time his circumstances have changed markedly and it will be as a wing that Campbell will make his first-class debut for South Island. Campbell was “pleasantly surprised” at his inclusion in the South Island team to meet Auckland at Carlaw Park on May 10 at the conclusion of a three-day coaching school and trial match at Greymouth last week-end. He joins a small group of players who have won the South Island honours before having been chosen for the Canterbury first XIII. His previous premier provincial experience was in two matches for Canterbury B last winter. But those who have observed Campbell’s impressive progress would not be surprised at his promotion. Campbell has been a Canterbury representative since his days in the 11-years grade and he was a national 15years schoolboy Kiwi. “I was a second-rower on my way through the grades,

until the other forwards out-1 grew me,” Campbell said yesterday. “I expected to be’ at loose forward this year,; but Linwood was a bit short! of backs and I went out to’i the wing." ! Campbell, a 22-year-old customs officer in his fourth year with Linwood’s top* team, said that he was! "more than happy” as ai» ( outside back. Some of the; forwards might now be considerably bigger than him. 1 but he has an ideal physique , for the three-quarters and his; background as a sprinter has! left him with a fair turn of! pace. i There was one regret felt! by Campbell when the South; Island side was announced.; His club-mate, David Perkins! — a candidate for a centre; or wing position — was.' omitted. Campbell and Perkins have served together in; numerous Canterbury lowergrade squads during their careers. ' However, that could be rectified when the first Canterbury premier team is" selected. For the though, Campbell has em-. erged with top ranking among a number of very promising young rugby league backs in the southern provinces.