Gold Coast coach Josh Hannay has insisted Jayden Campbell is on track to be an elite NRL halfback while revealing why re-signing him was such a priority.
Campbell has been named at half, opposite Brisbane's Adam Reynolds in the derby at Robina on Saturday night.
Both have spoken this week of their admiration for each other's abilities.
Reynolds revealed in his autobiography that the Titans showed no interest in signing him at the end of 2021. The Broncos did.
Ultimately the Titans' pass on Reynolds worked out best for the Broncos No.7, with premiership glory his reward in 2025.
In turn, Campbell was able to solidify his position, extend his deal until 2031 and target his own dream of following in his father Preston Campbell's footsteps as a legend of the club.
"It (the Reynolds situation) was obviously well before my time but when I took this job on, securing JC long-term as this club's halfback was a priority," Hannay told AAP.
"I feel blessed that we have kept JC and not just for his ability as a player. He is a terrific young man, humble and hard-working.
"Everyone knows the history with his dad, a legend of the club. I've just been struck by the character of the young man and I'm certainly very happy with where we are at with our halfback."
The 26-year-old is on "baby watch" ahead of the derby with his partner Teagan set to give birth to a son, their first child together. The intention is that he will play but the Titans will let him decide if circumstances escalate.
With two try assists last week and two tries the match before, Campbell has reinforced this season that he is an instinctive and brilliant footballer.
The key development has been his kicking game, where he achieves hang time in the air similar to Parramatta maestro Mitchell Moses.
"It is one of the underrated parts of his game. Some guys kick a footy and it sounds different and goes further ... and Jayden is one of them," Hannay said.
"He has got this timing with his kick that is very natural and fluid. He is very accurate and has that Moses ball flight when he kicks the ball."
Hannay has never had any concerns about his ability to play half at a high level.
"What you see at the moment is just a glimpse of what JC is ultimately going to be, with his best still in front of him," Hannay said.
The derby has plenty of classic match-ups, none more compelling than Brisbane prop Payne Haas against his brother and Titans counterpart Klese. Payne was passed fit to play after missing last week with a shoulder injury.
"I'm sure everyone is looking forward to seeing the two brothers come at each other," Broncos coach Michael Maguire said.
