TL;DR
- Jayden Campbell rejected a massive offer from Perth Bears to stay with Gold Coast Titans.
- Campbell will ink a multi-year deal, ensuring his presence on the Gold Coast through 2031.
- Titans coach Josh Hannay praised the agreement, highlighting Campbell's local ties and legacy.
- Campbell's decision is a blow to Mal Meninga's recruitment drive for the Perth Bears.
Jayden Campbell has rejected a massive offer from the Perth Bears to become their marquee player for their inaugural NRL season, dealing a devastating blow to Mal Meninga’s recruitment drive.
Campbell has affirmed his decision to stay with the Gold Coast Titans, opting for comfort and allegiance instead of a significantly more lucrative proposal.
Reports at CODE Sports indicate the star halfback will ink a multi-year deal, ensuring his presence on the Gold Coast through 2031.
Coach Josh Hannay of the Titans has praised the agreement as a significant victory for the team, securing the future of a promising young playmaker within their core lineup.
“Jayden is a Gold Coast kid, and having him stay here means he can create a legacy at a club that has always been close to him and his family,” Hannay said.
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Despite the Perth Bears reportedly presenting a five-year offer valued at approximately $1.2 million annually, a contract that would have positioned him among the NRL's top-earning playmakers, Campbell has reaffirmed his commitment.
The Queensland Origin player, already under contract for 2026, will see his salary increase with anticipated salary cap growth, ultimately reaching the $1 million annual mark.
Scott Sattler, the Titans' football head, stated that keeping Campbell was a constant objective, with the team's atmosphere and culture playing significant roles in his decision to stay.
“Quality players do garner interest, but it’s on us to make sure our players want to stay and see the direction the club is moving in,” Sattler said.
Campbell started his career as a fullback, but Hannay plans to develop him into a long-term No.7 after he spent all of 2025 in the jersey, emulating the pathways of Melbourne Storm stars like Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster.
“He is a gifted runner of the football, and now it’s our job to mould him into a halfback who can control the game and complement his running game,” Hannay added.
Campbell's new deal also signifies his dedication to the Titans, as he's opting to remain with the team, forgoing approximately $1.5 million, instead of seeking a more lucrative offer from another club. This level of commitment is unusual for The Gold Coast, particularly following a period of difficulty.
This renewed commitment will also intensify the strain on the Perth Bears and their coach, Mal Meninga. They've struggled to make significant progress in their recruitment efforts, falling short of their goal to secure ten new players before the holiday season.
What's more worrying is the scarcity of genuine star players on the NRL market. Consequently, each player they miss out on, such as Jayden Campbell, makes it progressively harder to sign a true star for their inaugural season and subsequent years.
The Titans are likely to be thrilled by Campbell's choice to turn down the expansion club, anticipating it will foster stability and drive their pursuit of a maiden premiership under Josh Hannay's leadership.
Hannay has immediately emphasized retaining local talent and recruiting young players to strengthen a retooled pathways system — and early signs suggest it is working.
Securing Jayden Campbell is a significant step that will greatly assist the Titans in enhancing their performance in 2026 and sustaining their success over the subsequent years.