Jock Campbell has added another highlight to what has been an unforgettable season for the former Inverell junior with his University of Queensland side claiming their second Newstead Brewing Hospital Challenge Cup title in three years with a thrilling 31-26 win over Brothers.
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Coming into Sunday's decider as underdogs after only just scraping into the finals series in fourth position, the Red Heavies' class and experience shone through.
They starved the minor premiers of possession for much of the match and blunted them at the tackle contest. But their mettle was tested in the dying minutes as a resurgent Brethren, with a man advantage at that stage, closed within a try after trailing 31-14 with 20 to play.
But Sam Wallis was able to secure the kick-off for the Red Heavies and they wound the clock down, Campbell booting the ball into the Ballymore grandstand to spark jubilant celebrations.
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Starting at fullback, he was assured at the back and churned off some crucial metres with the boot. Chiming into the line he was a constant threat in attack and had some decisive touches, including a nice flick pass to put Sam Edwards into space and set up UQ's first try.
Sunday's victory topped off what has been a big year for the 24-year old flyer.
In April he made his Super Rugby debut against the Bulls in Pretoria.
He went on to play the Reds remaining nine games and was on the back of his impressive performances named the Rookie of the Year, an accolade he described as "very unexpected".
Campbell's triumph came at the expense of another player whose rugby journey started in the region with former Red Devil Harry Wilson lining up at number eight for Brothers.
The Junior Wallabies backrower was heavily involved in the early passages with a couple of strong runs, and almost muscled his way over to get the Brethren on the board but was ruled to be held up.
A couple of minutes later they did post their first points after their scrum monstered UQ's.
But it was hard work for Brothers from then until the final 15 minutes when they started to punch some holes in the defence with their offloading game, with the Red Heavies' not giving them an inch.
Wilson, who was awarded the Alec Evans Medallist as the Queensland Premier Rugby player of the year, had spoken leading into the game about how he would love to be involved in a premiership win.
Another northern product will have a shot at some silverware this weekend with Will McDonnell's Sydney University marching into the Shute Shield decider with a 40-7 demolition of Norths.
The Narrabri native, who tasted premiership success with the students last year, came off the bench in the 33 point victory.
They will face Warringah after the Rats toughed out a 22-15 win over former Pirate Mick Snowden's Eastwood side.
