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Joel Gould

Campbell charges into new spine role at Titans

Jayden Campbell is embracing his new role as Gold Coast five-eighth. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

Jayden Campbell has a new No.6 role and an old iconic jersey, once donned by his illustrious father Preston, to wear when the Gold Coast take on Newcastle at Magic Round.

The Titans will unveil a heritage Gold Coast Chargers jersey from 1998 in Sunday's showdown at Suncorp Stadium.

Legend Preston Campbell, the Titans' first ever signing, played for the Chargers in 1998 in his debut season of NRL footy, before embarking on a stellar career with Cronulla, Penrith and the Titans.

Titans five-eighth Jayden Campbell
Titans five-eighth Jayden Campbell looking sharp in the Gold Coast Chargers heritage jersey. (HANDOUT/Gold Coast Titans Media)

The Titans are embracing their past, and for Campbell  it will be a special moment to celebrate the former franchise that gave his father his start.

"He was excited we came out with the Chargers heritage jersey. I think it will be pretty cool for him to see this weekend," Campbell said.

"It is a proud moment for myself and the whole team, getting to represent the history of Gold Coast rugby league."

The Gold Coast Chargers was the last of several Glitter Strip franchises to play from 1988 to 1998, before a nine-year hiatus and the birth of the Titans in 2007.

While only in existence for three seasons - from 1996-98 - the Chargers were the first Gold Coast side to play finals football in the ARL's 12-team competition in 1997. 

Jayden Campbell with his father Preston.
Jayden Campbell is keen to wear the 1998 Chargers jersey worn by his father Preston. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

Nostalgia is alive and well in the NRL. Thousands of heritage jerseys sold out within hours of the Titans releasing the Chargers strip, and two restocks have been required to keep up with demand. 

Preston played as a winger mostly in his debut season, before becoming a star at fullback and in the halves.

"I was lucky the media crew at the Titans got a video of a (Chargers) game so I got to see a few clips of him," Jayden said.

"He was a winger then. He has always been short, but he was skinnier than he is now. It was like wearing a blanket, his jersey. Nowadays they are tight, but his looked five sizes too big."

Preston Campbell
Preston Campbell was a dashing figure during his time playing for the Titans. (Renee McKay/AAP PHOTOS)

Campbell started this season at halfback but has been moved to five-eighth to accommodate young gun playmaker Zane Harrison, who impressed on debut in last week's loss to the Sydney Roosters.

"I am loving it and I am loving having Zane there too," Campbell said of his positional switch.

"It makes my game a little bit easier. He's a really good communicator and talker.

"It frees me up and I get to run a bit more. I am not having to worry about everyone else and I can focus on what I need to do. It makes it simpler for myself."

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