Bears miss top target with loyal Campbell taking up Titans mega deal

The Perth Bears will have to keep looking for their marquee expansion signing, with electric playmaker Jayden Campbell picking loyalty to stay with the Gold Coast Titans on a $4.5 million, three-year extension.

Campbell spoke to the Bears about the offer, which would have seen him earn as much as $1.5 million more through to 2031, but turned them down. His Titans re-signing is expected to be announced within the week.

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The 25-year-old had always been long odds to leave the Gold Coast, considering he’s lived there since he was seven years old. His father, Preston, debuted with the former Gold Coast club in 1998 and was long involved with the Titans.

Campbell has always been interested in building a legacy in blue and gold and wants to bring the glitter strip its first NRL premiership. That was enough for the halfback to turn down the Bears’ $1.2 million-a-season carrot, though the fact his partner is expecting her first child and wants to stay on the Gold Coast close to friends and family probably helped, too.

Incoming head coach Josh Hannay will be relieved that Campbell is staying, considering he declared he was “bullish” on “JC” and what he can deliver for the team as he continues to develop as a star in rugby league.

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Beau Fermor also re-signed with the Titans this week, extending to at least 2029.