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AAP
AAP
Joel Gould

Campbell tells Hasler he wants Titans No.1 jersey

Gold Coast's Jayden Campbell (R) has told coach Des Hasler (L) he wants to play fullback in 2024. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

Gold Coast utility Jayden Campbell has let coach Des Hasler know he wants to be his first choice fullback in 2024 after a season of filling in wherever the team needed him.

The 23-year-old is still recovering from knee surgery and is yet to start running at training.

Campbell played fullback, five-eighth and off the bench in his 22 games in 2023.

The team performed poorly but the elusive Campbell always looked more comfortable in the No.1 jersey.

AJ Brimson and Keano Kini are other options for Hasler at fullback but Campbell has laid his cards on the table.

"I've got to come to training and do my best to prove to the coach that I'd love to play fullback," Campbell said.

"That is the position I grew up playing and where I play my best so I'd like to lock that spot down. 

"I feel like competing with teammates and mates makes you a better footy player. I'll have to let my training do the talking."

Campbell, the son of foundation Titans fullback Preston Campbell, said he had become a better player by learning other positions on the field and would accept whatever decision the coach made.

When he will be able to start showing Hasler his wares on the training park is yet to be determined.

Campbell dislocated his patella and shattered the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), which stabilises the patella, in the 40-14 loss to Penrith in round 25.

He said he had to "look up" what an MPFL was as it was not an injury he had suffered before.

He's since had surgery and has been training in the gym as he awaits news on when he can start full movement.

"I am walking now. I have to see the surgeon in December to see when I can start running," Campbell said.

"At times it can be frustrating but it is coming along good. I am hoping to be right for round one. 

"I miss training. Sitting at home doing nothing you get a bit bored so I am glad training has come back around."

Campbell is signed until the end of 2026, as is Hasler.

The Titans had Justin Holbrook and then interim coach Jim Lenihan in 2023 as mentors and the players expect Hasler to increase the intensity at training in all areas.

"I am excited but scared at the same time. Hopefully someone like Des will be hard on the boys and make us a lot better," Campbell said.

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