NRL 2021: Jayden Campbell signs three-year contract extension with Gold Coast Titans

Titans coach Justin Holbrook has a major selection headache looming after re-signing of son of a gun Jayden Campbell.

Jayden Campbell will stay at the Titans until the end of 2024. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Jayden Campbell has dismissed concerns he is too small to survive in the NRL as the newly-signed Titans young gun braces for a fullback shootout with Newcastle superstar Kalyn Ponga on Thursday night.

Campbell’s fifth top-grade game will represent another daunting assignment when he looks to outpoint Queensland Origin star Ponga in a Sunshine Coast Stadium showdown that could make-or-break the Titans’ season.

The 21-year-old impressed against Melbourne with a two-try haul last week and he now faces Ponga armed with a three-year upgrade that gives him a chance to cement the Titans’ No.1 jumper.

Watch The 2021 NRL Telstra Premiership Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

As the son of Titans pint-sized legend Preston Campbell, there are fears Jayden may lack the size to compete with the monstrous 115kg-plus musclemen in the NRL.

Campbell senior was the ultimate braveheart at 167cm and 73kg. Jayden is bigger at 183cm and 77kg and is confident his wiry frame can withstand the week-to-week punishment to forge a 10-year career in the NRL.

“I don’t think my size is an issue,” he said ahead of his backfield duel with Ponga.

“I could definitely put on a few more kilos, but that will come with age.

“My dad and pop have always told me we are footy players, not bodybuilders.

“The game is changing and opponents are getting bigger for sure, so I need to put on some weight.

Jayden Campbell has signed a three-year extension at the Titans. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“I’ve put on 8kg since the pre-season so with another pre-season under my belt, I think I have room to grow.

“I’m around 77-78kg at the moment. The pre-season just gone, it was my first time really doing gym work properly, so I’m feeling stronger and fitter than ever before.

“With a few more pre-seasons under my belt, I can get over 80kg, which will help me in the NRL.”

Titans coach Justin Holbrook has a major selection headache looming. Does he keep AJ Brimson at fullback next season, or shift the Queensland Origin star to five-eighth to accommodate Campbell in the backfield?

Campbell, who has averaged 144 running metres and compiled 19 tackle busts in just four games, believes he can strike a potent partnership with Brimson in the Titans’ playmaking spine.

“Me and AJ get on well,” he said.

“We’ve spoken about this (playing fullback or five-eighth) and I’ve said I would love to play in the same side wherever that is and be on the same field together.

“Growing up I played one and six, but mostly fullback.

“I had a few seasons where I was thrown into five-eighth and they told me to run the ball.

“Fullback is where I’m most comfortable but I will play wherever the team needs me.

“If the Titans need me at six, I will be glad to try it out next season.”

Campbell has his old man’s competitive streak and says he hasn’t been daunted by the physicality of the NRL.

“It’s not as bad as I thought it was going to be,” he said.

“It’s a lot faster than Queensland Cup and nowhere near as physical as I thought it would be.

“The pace is definitely the difference, it’s so much faster than Queensland Cup.

“I don’t want to be playing NRL like I’m scared, otherwise I will have a terrible game.

“I try not to worry about the size of the big boys in the NRL.”

Titans strike signing blow to NRL expansion team

The Titans have staved off poaching threats from NRL rivals, including a proposed fourth Queensland team, to secure boom utility back Jayden Campbell to an upgraded deal.

News Corp can reveal Campbell has inked a three-year extension to remain at the Titans until the end of 2024 in a coup for the Gold Coast before Thursday night’s crucial showdown with the Knights at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

The son of Titans legend Preston Campbell made his first-grade debut at the same venue against the Storm in June and he faced Melbourne again last week, impressing the premiers with a two-try haul in just his fourth NRL game.

The 21-year-old was contracted to the Titans until the end of next year, but with the NRL considering a second Brisbane team for entry in 2023 or 2024, Gold Coast hierarchy have emphatically closed the door on a bidding war for Campbell.

It is understood Campbell’s management fielded interest from rival clubs but the livewire fullback or five-eighth said he had no interest in quitting the Titans as he looks to uphold a Gold Coast family legacy.

Titans young gun Jayden Campbell has set tongues wagging with his exciting entry to the NRL. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“I have grown up on the Gold Coast since I was six years old, I’ve played all my footy here so I’m stoked to be staying at the club,” said Campbell, whose father Preston played 103 games as a foundation Titan.

“I feel like I have grown up around the club. I can see where the club is headed the next few years and the Titans have given a lot to me and my family.

“I want to give back to not only the club, but the community as well.

“I remember my dad in the Titans jumper and I always thought he had a cool job.

“For him to come through the Titans, they gave us a really good life up here, the Gold Coast is a beautiful part of the world.

“Growing up playing footy, I have always been loyal. I just love being a one-club person.

“In junior footy I played for the one club and I want to carry that on throughout my whole career. I love the Titans and was happy to do a new deal.

“Even if there was interest from other clubs, I don’t think I would have my heart in leaving because I love it at the Titans ... I feel it’s where I belong.”

Jayden Campbell has signed a three-year extension at the Titans. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The 77kg Campbell has all the attacking instincts and competitive fire of his father and showed he is one of the NRL’s rising stars with his sublime display against the Storm last week.

Campbell is hoping to cement a regular NRL berth next season under Titans coach Justin Holbrook, who lauded his attitude.

“It’s great news for the club,” Holbrook said.

“Obviously Preston (Campbell) is his dad and our club’s number one player, but Jayden has earned this (new contract) in his own right and shown in his four games of NRL what he is capable of.

“He’ll only get better over the next few years. It’s exciting to know that we’ve got a great local junior coming through who will be great for our club.”

Jayden Campbell is following in his father Preston’s footsteps at the Titans.

In his four games at fullback for the Titans, Campbell has averaged 144 running metres per game, with two try assists, three tries and 19 tackle breaks.

Preston Campbell says he could not be prouder of his son’s rise to the NRL.

“You have to be tough and have a certain sort of strength to play rugby league. Jayden has got that,” he said.

“If you look at his physique, even though he’s trained really hard and is strong enough to play on the big stage, he’s still got a bit of work to do.

“He has worked really hard to condition his body.

“He has surprised a lot of people with his toughness.“

Originally published as NRL 2021: Jayden Campbell signs three-year contract extension with Gold Coast Titans