Preston and Jayden Campbell will become the first father-son duo to play for the Indigenous All Stars

Gold Coast Titans gun Jayden Campbell is on the brink of following in his father Preston’s famous footsteps and creating NRL All Stars history. WATCH THE VIDEO

Preston and Jayden Campbell. Pic: Titans Digital

Dally M legend Preston Campbell has delivered his verdict on son Jayden’s halfback switch as the Titans gun prepares to create All Stars history before targeting an NRL Premiership on the Gold Coast.

Jayden Campbell will follow in his father’s footsteps when he debuts for the Indigenous All Stars next week.

Campbell Jr is a confirmed starter in Saturday week’s clash with the Maori All Stars at CommBank Stadium in Sydney.

The Campbells will become the first father-son duo to feature in the annual exhibition clash’s 15-year history.

Preston was one of the pioneers of the All Stars concept in 2010 and said he was thrilled to see Jayden, who turns 25 on Friday, make his first appearance in the fixture.

Jayden and Preston Campbell.

“We brought him into camp in the first All Stars on his birthday,” he said.

“You often wonder how he looks at it and how it makes him feel.

“He’s spent his life growing up in the game and I hope he gets to share in the experience and what it’s all about.

“There’s a real focus on the individual in terms of them trying to figure out who they are and where they’ve come from.

“Sometimes you can get lost in the game and you need opportunities like this to help you stay grounded and humble.”

Preston helped found the All Stars game in 2010. Picture: AAP

Jayden said he was over-the-moon to be selected for the Indigenous All Stars.

“The All Stars is the first rep footy I wanted to play,” Jayden said.

“I remember the first one dad played. He took me into camp on my birthday, got me a jersey and some shorts. I didn’t wash them for a week and wore them to the game.

“I told my mum, dad doesn’t answer his phone (laughs). I told them I was selected and they were both very happy for me.”

Jayden has been cleared to play in the fixture by Gold Coast coach Des Hasler, who is weighing up a big positional switch for the dynamic ballrunner in this year’s NRL Premiership.

With the emergence of Kiwis Test star Keano Kini at fullback, Campbell has spent most of the pre-season training at halfback in a new look playmaking partnership alongside AJ Brimson.

It will be a bold move by Hasler to play Campbell in the No. 7 jersey, but he showed glimpses of brilliance in the halves last season with veteran Kieran Foran steering the ship and is confident he can make a successful switch.

“It’s my first pre-season training in the halves,” Jayden said.

“Every week I’m feeling a bit better. It’s difficult but I’m enjoying the challenge.

“The combinations are coming along well. We’ve got to train a lot together now and it’s coming along better each week.

“Obviously we want to win the grand final. I feel like we’re capable of doing that.”

Preston said Jayden had the potential to succeed in the role but had to find confidence as he looks to build on his 58-game NRL career.

Jayden may be set for a switch to the halves this season.

“One thing I know about Jayden is he’s got a really good attitude and he will play wherever he can find a spot in the team,” he said.

“But he’s at the stage now where he needs to be a bit clearer around where he sees himself.

“The halves is one of those positions that is a real specialty. There is a lot of management that comes with that.

“The position is really important in demanding the ball, managing the troops and making decisions. The best halfbacks make the clutch decisions.

“The big thing about playing in the halves is being confident. If he can build on his confidence he will do well.

“I try to stay clear of (talking to him about football). My relationship with Jayden is as a father first.

“If he comes to me about footy, I’ll be more than happy to share with him but he has little need for it.

“If he can’t get what he needs from the people around him now then that is something we need to look at.”

The NRL is expected to name the Indigenous and Maori All Stars teams on Friday.

Originally published as Preston and Jayden Campbell will become the first father-son duo to play for the Indigenous All Stars