Achi news desk-
Jayden Campbell will return from long-term injury for a Gold Coast side missing their inspirational leader and in need of a spark after a “disgraceful” start to Des Hasler’s tenure.
The Titans are 0-2, beaten by Canterbury and St George Illawarra by a combined 60-4 in their opening two NRL rounds under the veteran coach.
A season-ending knee injury to captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui at the weekend compounded problems.
But livewire fullback Campbell’s return to face the Dolphins on Saturday has given Parkwood some optimism.
He will play NRL for the first time since dislocating his patella six months ago, while Joe Stimson comes into the team for Fa’asuamaleaui.
Halfback Tanah Boyd has been retained after his Bulldogs horror show while Kieran Foran will captain the team and David Fifita (pectoral) has been named on the extended bench for the first time this season.
“He’s such a good player. We’ve missed him,” catcher Sam Verrills said of Campbell.
“His walking IQ is one of the best; it’s screaming, very vocal and what we need right now.
“He’s hard to find, takes the short sides, he’s got that hard carry in him. I can’t wait to get him back.”
Verrills did not understate Fa’asuamaleaui’s absence or the side’s current situation.
“When you lose a player like Tino; your captain, your leader probably your best player in the team it’s quite devastating,” he said.
“We have to turn it around, there’s no other way around it… it’s been quite embarrassing.
“When playing football like that, it is unacceptable. The reviews have been difficult but what we need.”
Keenan Palasia will start in the No. 10 shirt while Stimson will come on the bench.
“I did mine back in 2020 and I know what he’s going through,” Verrills said of Fa’asuamaleaui’s anterior cruciate ligament tear.
“It’s a long process ahead of him and as a mate I’ll be there to help him along the way.
“But it’s a tough one, losing ‘T’ is huge.”
