Chip off the old block
SON OF GUN TAKES BIG STEP TOWARDS NRL
THE Gold Coast Titans are edging closer towards celebrating their first father-son duo in the NRL after elevating the son of club legend Preston Campbell to their full-time squad.
Livewire fullback Jayden Campbell has joined the Gold Coast’s development list and is in pre-season training with the Titans’ top squad.
Campbell, 21, is only a slight figure, weighing a tick over 70kg, but has impressed coach Justin Holbrook with his natural talent and attitude.
Preston Campbell was the Titans’ first signing ahead of their introduction to the NRL in 2007 and played 103 games for the Gold Coast club. The Indigenous legend remains one of the Titans’ most loved players and a revered figure in the game.
Jayden has been part of the Gold Coast’s junior development programs and featured for the Titans in a pre-season trial game against Burleigh last year.
He pulled off a remarkable try-saving tackle in that game which caught the eye of Holbrook and the Titans are now investing more time into helping him develop physically for the rigours of the NRL.
Former Titans player Ryan Simpkins and his father Robert both represented Gold Coast first grade clubs, but the Titans are yet to have a father-son duo pull on their colours ahead of their 15th NRL season.
That could change in the coming years if Jayden’s development continues and Holbrook likes what he sees.
“He is a great young player, he is such a naturally gifted footy player,” Holbrook said.
“He is only young and in our system. It will be good to see where he gets.
“He is one of the young guys that didn’t get to play much last year (because of COVID).
“He ended back in the local league with Burleigh but it will be good to see him get some Queensland Cup games this year and see where he gets to. “He is skilful and t o u g h enough as well.”
At 179cm, Jayden towers over his father (167cm) and weighs similar to what Preston (74kg) did when he retired in 2011.
He has overcome his size to crack the top 36 players in an NRL squad and Holbrook said Campbell’s next challenge was to shine in the return of the Intrust Super Cup this year.
“It is nice, (Preston) was a great player here,” Holbrook said. “He was an awesome player for this club and it’s great to see his young bloke coming through.
“He is only slightly built but he is tough and not afraid to carry the ball.
“He is one of those young guys you want to see playing against men at Q-Cup level.”