'Not just a fullback': Campbell's junior footy days helping team-first attitude

There has certainly been plenty of talk around who should wear the Gold Coast Titans No. 1 for 2023 and beyond.

A healthy problem for coach Justin Holbrook to have over the off-season, two able candidates can more than capably fill the hotly-contested role with AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell set to train hard and duel for the coveted jersey in the lead-up to next year.

In fact, the whole makeup of the spine into the future is one of much intrigue with so many options, especially with a number of key recruits arriving next year including playmaker Kieran Foran and classy hooker Sam Verrills.

With some fears the club's incumbent fullback could be unseated to help shuffle the deck chairs around, the 22-year-old has reminded everyone that he is not limited to just playing in the position he currently occupies in his first full season of a prosperous first grade career.

"A lot of people think that fullback is my only position," Campbell said.

"I grew up playing fullback, on the wing and even played in the centre is a few times, so I'll play wherever the team needs me, I don't mind.

"I think in these next two weeks, we just want to play footy and not to think about [next year] too much.

"With Kieran and Sam coming, I think that's going to push all of us to train harder and play the best we can so we can get a spot in the side.

"I think the competitiveness will be good trying to make the side, so I think it'd be good for us all."

Three games into his return as the full-time fullback after a hamstring injury sidelined the young gun for eight weeks, it has been an up and down season in his first full year as a first grader, but he has high hopes of a big pre-season ahead in order to play a major part in next year's campaign.

"I've been finding it pretty good (my first full year in first grade)," Campbell said.

"Still trying to get my footy legs back. I had a bit of time off with my hamstring and you forget how quick match fitness gets away from you, but I'm feeling a little bit better

"This year has been a bit tough with the few injuries but hopefully next year, I can just get my body right and then play for the whole season.

"I've missed a few games this year, so hopefully I can get a full season next year."

Up against a Knights outfit this Sunday without Kalyn Ponga, Campbell is wary of the talents Newcastle have across the park, even though their captain and strike weapon has been ruled out for the season with concussion.

"The Knights have got a big pack with the Saifiti twins and Tyson Frizell is back, so we've got to win the ruck this week and keep them down there," he said.

"We need to focus on good kicks and finishing our sets well, and then hopefully we can get over top of them."