Since debuting for the Reds in the 2019 Super Rugby competition, the Inverell product's career has seemingly been on an upwards trajectory, to the point of being bandied about in Wallabies conversations.

It's a long way from running around in the Central North junior carnivals with the Highlanders.

Unassuming on the field, and off it, Campbell's ascension has been similarly unassuming.

Playing mostly Second XV at school, the 25-year old plied his trade with the University of Queensland in the Queensland Premier competition for several seasons before being given his shot at high representative honours with Queensland Country in the 2017 National Rugby Championship.

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Coached by Reds mentor Brad Thorn, two years later Campbell found himself pulling on the maroon - making his debut against the Bulls in Round 14.

He went on to feature in nine games and was named the Reds' Rookie of the Year. He continued on that form in what was an albeit disrupted 2020, proving a revelation at fullback and even garnering the attention of Wallabies coach Dave Rennie (Campbell was named in his Player Of National Interest squad).

Speaking after the Reds trial against the Waratahs at the recent Santos Festival of Rugby, Campbell humbly deflected a lot of the credit onto his team-mates.

"It was a bit of a team breakout in Super Rugby AU, so I just sort of benefited from playing with some good players. Our team had 12 Wallabies, so playing with those guys makes it easier as well as a lot of fun," he said.

After his experience the previous season he was too a lot more confident in his role in the side. That was probably the biggest thing for him: having the confidence "to just back yourself and play your own game."

"And also getting used to the players you're playing with, playing more together, and the team just getting better. That helps everyone," he added.

Likened by renowned rugby scribe Wayne Smith to a Conrad or Ben Smith, for the way he "just does everything neatly", Campbell was considered unlucky to miss out on the Wallabies squad.

Understandably disappointed, by the same token it was "very humbling".

"Obviously disappointed, but they spoke to me about what I've got to work on, so I've just got to try and prove them wrong pretty much," he said.

One of the things was his physicality. There were "a few other things" in attack that came up.

"They were really clear so I think that's really good that they've done that," he said.

"And obviously success for the Reds helps with selection for the national team."

"But I'm not really focused on that just yet."

His focus is with the Reds, who are looking to go one better after falling to the Brumbies in last year's final.

"We really want to win this comp this year and we have the team to do it so as a group we're really focused on that," Campbell said.

He enjoyed the chance to play back in the region, and particularly in front of his family. Because of the border closures they weren't really able to watch him last year.

The Reds kick-off their campaign against the Waratahs next Friday night (February 19).