Boom Panthers prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard is hoping to use his recent City Origin experience to Penrith’s advantage when they tackle the in-form Broncos on Friday in Brisbane.
Campbell-Gillard was a surprise selection in Brad Fittler’s City team, having only played eight games of first grade since the start of the year.
Speaking with Extra Time on Tuesday, the 21-year-old said he was lost for words over his City selection.
“I’m still shocked to be honest, it was a great experience to be in the team and I can’t really explain it,” he said.
The likeable young Panther was one of five selected in Fittler’s team along with Matt Moylan, Tyrone Peachey, Waqa Blake and Bryce Cartwright (18th man).
The side also featured a number of ex-Panthers including James Roberts, Wade Graham and Blake Austin.
“I definitely felt comfortable in camp, there was a huge Penrith connection in that team and I felt comfortable around the boys,” he said.
“We were pretty much told to play our own game, run the ball hard and defend well. I think I only got about 20 minutes of game time but it was a good experience for myself and I was pretty stoked.”
Campbell-Gillard now hopes to put his City Origin experience to the test on Friday night when he tackles the top of the table Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
“I want to improve my game, I want to improve this week and hopefully I can use that experience against the Broncos this Friday,” he said.
“I’m certainly getting used to first grade now and feeling a bit more comfortable around the boys.”
The rookie added that he couldn’t wait to play in Brisbane’s famed ‘Cauldron’.
“A Friday night game is always massive up there and I know the boys are refreshed after having the weekend off. It should be a really good game,” he said.
– Nathan Taylor
