TITANS SIGN PRESTON CAMPBELL’S BOY:
TEEN sensation Jayden Campbell has moved a step closer to fulfilling his Titans destiny, with the son of club great Preston signing a deal to keep him on the Gold Coast for the next three years.
Already contracted to the Titans in 2020, the 18-yearold fullback has penned a two-year extension that will see him become one of six development squad players in 2021-22.
Having dominated this year’s statewide colts competition with Burleigh, Campbell will spend the looming pre-season with Gold Coast’s NRL squad before training one day a week during the 2020 campaign.
He will then transition into full-time training as a development player the following year and be eligible for NRL selection, putting him on a path to follow the footsteps of his father.
A Dally M winner with
Titans career: 2007-2011 Games .................................. 103 Tries ........................................ 15
Cronulla in 2011, Preston began his NRL career with the Gold Coast Chargers in 1998 before returning to the Glitter Strip for the Titans’ debut season in 2007.
He became a fan favourite for the club across five seasons, with Jayden now forging the same path after spending time in the Titans’ junior pathways this year.
“He’s a great kid and a great talent,” the Titans’ recruitment manager, Ezra Howe, said.
“He was contracted next year anyway but he’s picked up a two-year extension and he’s earned his spot there.
“He’s got his father but one thing you can see about him is he wants it for himself.
“He’s been in our system for the past 12 months and he’s impressed all the junior Titans coaches.
He’s got a great attitude, he’s worked really hard. He’s got a little bit of his old man in him, which is good.”
A Helensvale junior, Campbell will remain aligned with Burleigh next season, where he will likely play a role in their Intrust Super Cup premiership defence.
Bears chief executive Damian Driscoll said he was primed to make his ISC mark.
“Jayden came to us through the Mal Meninga Cup system and he excelled this year, he was outstanding,” Driscoll said.
“He dominated the 20s this year. Certainly, if he played at Burleigh next year, he will be putting pressure to play in the top team.”