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 now confirmed he will remain with the Gold Coast Titans, choosing familiarity and loyalty over a much larger offer.
The star halfback is set to sign a multi-year extension that secures his future on the Gold Coast until at least the end of 2031 according to reports at the CODE Sports.
Titans coach Josh Hannay has hailed the deal as a huge win for the club, ensuring one of their brightest young playmakers remains in the spine.
“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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Campbell’s commitment comes despite the Perth Bears reportedly offering a five-year deal worth around $1.2 million per season, a contract that would have made him one of the NRL’s highest-paid playmakers.
The Queensland Origin representative is already contracted for 2026, but the new agreement will see his salary rise in line with projected salary cap increases, eventually joining the $1 million-a-year club.
The Titans’ football boss Scott Sattler said retaining Campbell was always a priority, and the club’s environment and culture were key factors in keeping him.
“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.
The extension is also a statement of loyalty from Campbell, who will forgo around $1.5 million to stay with the Titans rather than chase a bigger contract elsewhere—a commitment rarely seen on the Gold Coast after several years of struggles.
The re-signing will also put further pressure on the Perth Bears and coach Mal Meninga, who, despite aiming for 10 signings before Christmas, have barely made a dent in their recruitment plans.
What is more concerning is that very few true star players are available on the NRL market, so with each one that slips through their fingers, like Jayden Campbell, it becomes increasingly difficult to secure a genuine star for their first season — and beyond.
The Titans will be elated with Campbell’s decision to reject the expansion club however, hoping it will provide stability and momentum as they push for their first premiership under Josh Hannay’s coaching regime.
Hannay has immediately emphasized retaining local talent and recruiting young players to strengthen a retooled pathways system — and early signs suggest it is working.
With Jayden Campbell secured, it will go a long way to helping the Titans not only improve in 2026 but also maintain success for several years to come.