New deal for Titans star Campbell
Gold Coast star Preston Campbell has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal with the club.
The 32-year-old has been in arguably the best form of his career this season, prompting both he and the Titans to come to a new agreement until the end of the 2011 season.
The deal will take Tingha product Campbell through to his 14th season in the National Rugby League after commencing his career with the Gold Coast Chargers as an 18-year-old in 1998.
Titans Managing Director Michael Searle said Campbell’s decision to re-sign with the club for a further two years was a significant one.
“Preston was the Titans’ first signing before a ball was even kicked in 2007 so the fact he has decided to continue playing with the club for a further two years is exciting,’’ said Searle.
“It’s equally as important that he remains on the Gold Coast for the impact he has on the community off the field as much as he excites people with what he does on the paddock.
“Preston is again a finalist for the NRL’s Community Award, the Ken Stephen Medal, this year – an award he won last year – and it’s a credit to him the way he carries himself on and off the field.’’
Campbell thought privately that 2009 could be his last season in the NRL but said he felt better than ever – a factor he attributed to the Titans coaching staff and the club’s recovery techniques.
“At the start of this year I thought this was going to be my last year,’’ he smiled.
“But the way things turned out and the way I’m feeling I’m really happy to hang around again.
“It just feels good that the club has still got faith in an old bloke.
“As long as I feel I’ve got something to offer I’m going to hang around and it’s just good that the club has shown faith in me and the way that I’m playing.’’
Titans Head Coach John Cartwright said it was a significant boost to have Campbell staying with the club.
He said: “It’s great that Preston is going to be on board again for another two years.
“He’s been in great form for us this year and has been an integral member of the club since day one.”