Battle for Roos bench as frustrated Mal loses out

Campbell-Gillard will be one of four rookies to play their first game for Australia but could be a chance of making their best 17 following a tournament-ending injury to Jake Trbojevic.

Josh McGuire has been given first crack in the No.13 jumper, opening a spot on the bench for another big man should coach Mal Meninga stick by his preference to play four forwards.

After the Kangaroos’ application to replace Trbojevic was denied by World Cup officials, Campbell-Gillard and fellow rookie Felise Kaufusi are the only remaining forwards in the squad.

“It would be really nice but obviously there’s a few boys here that can obviously get that role,” Campbell-Gillard said at the Kangaroos camp in Canberra on Wednesday.

“Whatever Mal wants to do. We’ll see what happens there, obviously take each week as it comes and take those chances with both hands.”

A spot in Meninga’s top 17 would cap off an impressive year for Campbell-Gillard, who also claimed the Merv Cartwright medal as Penrith’s best player of the season.

He was rewarded with a late call-up following Andrew Fifita’s shock decision to represent Tonga at the World Cup instead of Australia.

Asked what he expected at international level, Campbell-Gillard said: “I wouldn’t have a bloody clue.

“Playing with all those players as well, it gives me more motivation to go another level. I’ll just keep it simple, do the things I know work and hopefully that works for me.”

Meninga admitted being disappointed by the tournament’s decision to deny them a 24th player.

“If we lose Josh McGuire, we’re putting I would think untold pressure on Josh to play in the middle all the time,” he said.

“It’s a bit disappointing what happened but we’ll live with it and move forward.”

Menginga said he was impressed by Campbell-Gillard’s contributions in their exhibition matches against Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

“He’s a big unit, aggressive, pretty quick, good mobility. He’s fearless, in my opinion,” he said.

“I watched him play in Fiji and he threw his body on the line, no respect for his body at times. We like that type of player in our game, particularly in the front row.”

The Kangaroos enjoyed Wednesday off in Canberra before finalising preparations for the French clash with Thursday’s captain’s run at GIO Stadium.

Click on the image below for an in-depth look at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup fixtures and results!