The Cairns Post

EELS MAY MAKE A PLAY FOR JAYDEN

- BRENT READ, TRAVIS MEYN AND PHIL ROTHFIELD

TITANS livewire Jayden Campbell has emerged as a mooted target for Parramatta as the Eels chase a matchwinne­r to support captain Clint Gutherson.

Campbell is on a hit-list of prospectiv­e recruits following revelation­s of a contract clause that’s set to make the Gold Coast speedster a free agent.

Campbell, 23, is contracted to the Titans until the end of 2024, however he has a clause in his deal that will allow him to negotiate with rival clubs in the coming weeks if he hits a minimum games benchmark this season.

That would open the door for the Eels to make a play for Campbell, who is stuck behind Queensland Origin star AJ Brimson in the fullback pecking order at the Titans.

Campbell’s situation is being monitored by a number of rival clubs after he was relegated to a bench utility position in the opening rounds this season.

The Eels have also been linked with Tigers duo Daine Laurie and Charlie Staines as they look to fill three vacant spots in their top 30.

Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook rates the son of Dally M legend Preston Campbell highly, however there is a logjam of fullbacks at the club.

Brimson, sidelined for the next month with a hamstring injury, has been given first crack at the No.1 jersey in 2023 and the Titans also have rising youngster Keano Kini coming through the ranks.

The Titans are desperate to retain Campbell and view him as a potential five-eighth option, with Kieran Foran contracted until the end of 2024 and battling injury.

With Brimson sidelined, the coming weeks will put Campbell well and truly in the shop window.

 ?? Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images ?? Jayden Campbell of the Titans.
Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images Jayden Campbell of the Titans.

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