Wagga Tigers coach Shaun Campbell says no player is keener for Saturday’s representative showdown than himself.
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Campbell will return to the field for the first time in a month after a pre-season suspension ruled him out of Tigers opening three games of the year.
His suspension finished last Saturday leaving Campbell free to return for Riverina League’s representative showdown against Farrer League at Robertson Oval.
“I’m pumped. I love rep footy,” Campbell said.
“I think it’s a great idea and I can’t wait.”
Campbell has endured a frustrating start to the year, being forced to watch on from the sidelines as Tigers lost their opening three games.
Campbell said he did not hesitate about making himself available for representative football.
“There won’t be anyone in the team keener than me,” he said.
“Anyone that knows me, knows how much I love my footy.
“It’s been a long while, it was a long pre-season and to be honest, it’s been very tough watching the boys at the moment.
“I can’t wait to get out there this weekend.”
Campbell, Tigers’ 2016 premiership coach, is expected to slot straight into the midfield for Guy Orton’s Riverina League team.
He will join a midfield that will boast the likes of reigning Jim Quinn medallist Jayden Klemke and Leeton-Whitton premiership star Bryce O’Garey.
With bragging rights on the line for both leagues, Campbell is a fan of the move to put the two competitions up against each other.
“It’s a great idea,” he said.
“It’s timely as it happens now because rep footy, especially the RFL, has been lacking interest and for blokes to put their hand up and play.
“This is going to reignite that rivalry, get guys to put their hand up for rep footy and it will be good for the local area. With the big rivalry, I’m sure everyone is going to come out for a look on Saturday.”
The representative game gives Campbell a chance to get a game under his belt before he returns for Wagga Tigers next week when they travel to take on fellow winless team, Narrandera.
Campbell said that’s another positive for playing on Saturday.
“Absolutely, it will be a good blow out,” he said.
“I’ve only been running around at footy training and been doing a bit of my own stuff trying to get ready.
“It will be good to have a run before I play Narrandera because nothing beats match fitness.”
Riverina play Farrer at 1.45pm on Saturday.