Campbell defies pain to play leading hand in record win

Titans gun Jayden Campbell broke both the club’s individual points and goal kicking records in the dominant win over the Warriors, despite playing most of the game with a hand injury.

Speaking after the game, Campbell's right hand had noticeable swelling from the injury sustained early in the first half and said he had hoped his injury was just bruising, but will be sent for scans to confirm the injury.

While the Titans have a bye next week, coach Des Hasler will be hoping Campbell will be fit to play in his 50th game in Round 18 against the Sharks after putting his stamp on the game with 26 points after scoring a try and slotting 11 from 11 conversions.

Asked about his records, Campbell was instead more pleased to see his team bounce back from their disappointing loss to Wests Tigers with the performance against the Warriors with their own record-breaking win.

“It was good, but I'm just happy that we've got a club record as a team,” Campbell said.

“I'm pretty lucky that I've got players around me that either set me up with a try or even staff to help me with my goal kicking. It's a reflection of everyone in the club.

“Growing up, I've always been a goal kicker, but we've got a fellow named Hilly [specialist coach Andrew Hill] come in this year … a goal kicking coach, he comes in and he helps us a lot.

“He's just given me a few pointers, but if I think too much about it, that's when I start to miss goals.

“But he's pretty helpful. He just tells me to just make sure my run in’s smooth and just kick the ball really.

“Brad Davis [assistant coach and former Tweed Seagulls kicker], he's helped me a lot too.”

Moved to five-eighth in Round 14 upon his return from a PCL injury, Campbell is better known as a full-flighted fullback, but has been backed by Hasler to perform on the role, saying he just needs more time in the position.

Campbell said the support of his coach was massive and he believed he could perform in the role long-term, especially with youngster Keano Kini impressing with his extended opportunity deputising at fullback.

“People seem to forget that I've only played two games there," Campbell said. 

“I'm coming back from two knee injuries, so people don't understand that footy is not just a physical game, it's a mental game too.

“So, I just needed time to find my stride.

“I am hoping to pick up a lot of confidence from this game, but I know myself the player I am and where I can play.

“But having Des back me, it gives me a lot of confidence and makes me want to play my best footy for him.”

The upcoming game against Cronulla at Coffs Harbour will also see the expected return from a groin injury of AJ Brimson, another with a claim to the fullback role at the Titans, with Campbell saying they would make a way for them all to fit into the team.

“We’ll find somewhere, we’ll find somewhere … one of us might have to play front row,” Campbell said.