Gold Coast Titans star Jayden Campbell reveals why he turned down Perth Bears, and plans to emulate Melbourne Storm gun Jahrome Hughes
Campbell will enter his second season as Gold Coast’s first-choice halfback, coming up through the ranks as a defender just like his father.
He admits he is not a “natural” No.7, but coach Josh Hannay believes he is ready to steer the Titans’ ship alongside five-eighth AJ Brimson – who showed promise in the side’s 42-12 trial win over Melbourne with a try assist and a line-break assist before going down at half-time.
Campbell laughs when reminded that his father’s switch from full-back to halfback during his days at Cronulla resulted in the Dally M Medal, and says he has largely avoided asking him for advice when searching for the 2003 premiership winner when he feels the need.
“He’s my dad first, he’s not really into stepping on toes or anything like that,” Campbell said.
“If I ask him for advice he will give it but he is my father before football so he tries to stay out of it as much as he can.”
Questions about Campbell’s capacity as the Titans’ long-term halfback have been raised since he took over last year; His instinctive running game has been praised, but uncertainty remains regarding his ability to reverse momentum swings and generate pressure with his kicking game.
Jayden Campbell believes Jahrome Hughes can emulate the transition from a ball-running threat to a genuine halfback pass.
But after watching Melbourne Storm superstar Jahrome Hughes undergo the same transformation he attempted, he saw the blueprint for how to succeed.
Like Campbell, Hughes was originally a fullback before moving to the offensive base. Despite being tasked with guiding his team around the park, he managed to do so without giving up the elusive ball running that has made him one of the NRL’s most lethal attackers.
“One hundred percent,” Campbell said when asked if Hughes was the model on which he would develop his game.
“This gives me the confidence that I can do this on my own. I have a great coaching staff and great teammates around me, which will help me along the way.”
After four consecutive seasons in the NRL bottom four, Campbell senses change is afoot, looking back at the early days of Hannay’s tenure at Parkwood.
Campbell noted that despite intense interest from rival clubs, there has been an air of enjoyment at Titans HQ since the Des Hasler days, with Hannay’s cultural restructuring leading to contract extensions for Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Cooper Bai.
“We enjoy coming to training now and doing the hard work. It’s not that we don’t want to do it – I don’t know how to put it into words without it sounding wrong, to be honest – but it’s a good feeling to start training,” Campbell said.
“I’m not sure about the other kids, but for me, I play football because I love it, not because of what it brings and all the other things it brings. “In the past it felt a bit like work, I know it’s our job, but when you turn something you love into a job, you lose some of the joy.
“I love having Josh here; he’s calm, easy to get along with, funny, but he made the environment so much more enjoyable. He’s someone you want to play with.”
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