Dismissed as too small and too slow, late-blooming Jock Campbell is in line for his Wallabies debut after being named on the bench for Saturday's spring tour-opening Test against Scotland.
Coach Dave Rennie is promising the 27-year-old some game time as he continues his search for a World Cup fullback after using five custodians already in 2022.
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Tom Banks has first dibs on the position for the vital five-Test tour of Europe, back in for his first start for the Wallabies since breaking an arm during the first-Test loss to England in June.
But Rennie and his fellow selectors are keen to see if Campbell is up to the physical rigours of Test rugby.
"It's a great story, isn't it. He wasn't part of an academy system. He's probably spent a fair chunk of his career with people telling him he's not fast enough, he's not big enough and he's on the verge of representing his country," Rennie said on Thursday night.
"He's had an outstanding year. He was excellent for Australia A and he deserves a crack.
"We're keen to get Jock in the mix."
Campbell is the perfect Rugby story for any late bloomers, spending most of his time at school in the second XV before working his way through the grades at University of Queensland
He has been forced to bide his time at each level before getting his shot, selected in the first Wallabies camp of 2022 after several strong seasons.
After finally being named in the Wallabies side, Campbell's dream debut typically had one late hurdle to overcome after going down with an injury during the week.
“He took the (selection) news with a Game Ready (wrap) on his ankle because he tripped over in the bloody gym and tweaked his ankle,” Rennie revealed.
“He’s done everything he possibly can to get that right. He’s trained today and is as excited as Jock gets.”
Rennie is also keen to see what more Reds teammate Tate McDermott can offer after naming the livewire Queenslander at halfback.
Nic White and Jake Gordon will also get their opportunities as the Wallabies also face France, Ireland, Italy and Wales on a gruelling five-week campaign.
"We're going to rotate the nines a bit on tour. We're fortunate we've got three excellent nines and we're keen to give Tate an opportunity," Rennie said.
"He hasn't had much of a lick lately and he's trained really well with the Queensland boys over the last couple of weeks and I've had a chance to look at that first hand.
"We think he can bring something special. In Edinburgh at this time of the year, it's it's probably going to be gloomy and cold and damp but we think he can bring a real point of difference."
