Jayden Campbell can’t wait for Saturday’s derby battle against the Broncos, having studied his opposite No. 7 extensively in his quest to continue improving as the Titans’ halfback.
Glued to the TV most weekends in and around his games learning from some of the game’s best, Adam Reynolds features in the list of players the 26-year-old studies religiously, tasked with shutting down him and his Brisbane counterparts as Gold Coast eye back-to-back home wins in front of a capacity crowd at Cbus Super Stadium.
Campbell is most in awe of the 312-game veteran’s game management that he hopes to one day emulate, especially his pinpoint kicking game that helped the Broncos to premiership glory last year.
“I’m still learning, so I try and watch every game of football and pick up things that other players do,” the Titans playmaker admitted.
“[Reynolds] has been in the game for a long time and has been one of the best No. 7’s for a long time too.
“I’m excited for the challenge and excited to go up against him and the Broncos.”
It’s been a strong start to Campbell’s 2026 campaign after returning from a hamstring niggle – two tries in his first game back followed up by a commanding performance to assist rampaging forward Arama Hau score a match-defining double in their despatch of the Dragons.
But as he approaches his third appearance in his second season with the No. 7 on his back, the Titans playmaker is still his own harshest critic and feels he still has a lot to improve on – which should be a scary thought for the rest of the competition given his past fortnight.
“There’s still a lot to improve on. I’m pretty hard on myself but at the same time, I want to keep putting in good performances and not get too comfortable,” Campbell said.
“I’m still new to the No. 7 role. I know I played there last year but I’m learning everyday and want to get better kicks, passing options and things like that.
“I’ve still got a lot to work on and I’m a perfectionist so I’m really hard on myself, but at the same time, I’ve got take the good with the bad.”
As the Broncos prepare to travel down the M1 for the clash, Reynolds has a contrary view of his opposite No. 7’s form, knowing he’ll be one of the threats they’ll need to neutralise for them to take down the Titans.
“[Jayden’s] been terrific. The two games he’s been back, he’s injected a bit of life into the team and given [the Titans] a bit of a spark,” the Brisbane captain said.
“He’s certainly a threat and a danger for them. We’re going to have to be on our game and try and contain him as best as possible.
“I admire his game as well. I think he’s a terrific player who does a lot of great things out there and you’ve only got to look at the last two games, he’s been in pretty much everything.
“It’s a challenge for us this week, but an exciting challenge.”
