REAGAN Campbell-Gillard has become the first Windsor Wolves junior to play for the NSW Blues.
The Penrith Panthers enforcer had a successful debut in the State of Origin arena on June 6, with the Blues beating the Queensland Maroons 22-12 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Campbell-Gillard also became the first Wolves junior to play for the Kangaroos when he played five tests for Australia at the end of 2017 in the Rugby League World Cup.
Campbell-Gillard ran for 109-metres in the match with the ferocity he has become known for while playing for the Panthers. He also made 27 tackles in the 47 minutes he spent on the field, including running out for the opening minutes.
He had 37 kick return metres in the match, and those runs were full pelt charges straight into the teeth of the Queensland defence.
Late in the game, Campbell-Gillard laid a huge hit on Gavin Cooper, bowling the second-rower over and drawing a roar from the crowd.
Windsor Wolves president Ross Jones said everyone at the club was thrilled for him.
“When he was with us he stood head and shoulders above everyone else,” he said.
“He was always a very tough kid.
“We’ve had a fair few players go through to Australian Schoolboys, but never for the Blues or Australia.”
