'I see what it does for the community': Why JC's getting the chop
Jayden Campbell's pride and joy has been his beloved rattail over the last two years.
Flowing freely when the speedy youngster is in full flight for the Titans, it's been an icon of the gun 21-year-old since the beginning of 2020, and despite constant nagging from his mum, dad, partner and teammates to get rid of it, he's kept growing his precious lock... until now.
But in order for his famous ratty to be chopped, the new fullback wants to see $30,000 raised for Titans Together - the charitable arm of the club - to continue funding its invaluable participation and social inclusion programs that unite the Gold Coast community.
These initiatives and the difference it makes to the local area is a big reason why the local Gold Coast junior continues to wear Titans colours today.
"I stayed at the club, not just because I grew up around here, but because I see what it does for the community... going out to schools, our Leagueability, our NAIDOC celebrations," Campbell said.
"I just wanted to raise money to keep those programs running, because it's very important to get everyone together nice and close.
"They try to keep everybody tight-knit and I wanted to follow in the old boys footsteps. He helps people and I'd like to start helping people.
"I feel it's time to get rid of [the rattail] and I get to do it for a good cause."
"Any money will do. $30,000 is the goal but any contribution towards it is a lot of help."
He's even hoping the snip might give him a little bit of extra speed in the new season.
"I've seen a few photos and videos of it sticking out of the back and hopefully when I cut it, it gives me more aerodynamics so I can run a little bit faster," Campbell joked.
Launching the fundraiser at the Titans Together second birthday celebrations, Titans chairman Dennis Watt celebrated the success of the community programs the club has facilitated over the past two years and the passion and dedication of those who wear the club's emblem with pride.
"We're all about making our communities proud and I am so proud to be associated with a club like this with such a massive heart," Watt said.
"I've been here four years now and in my time here, the thing I've found when I came down the highway of love is there is an extraordinary heart beating under the shirt of every single person who wears the Titans colours.
"Our community continues to grow and we continue to reach more people and we continue to grasp and uplift and inspire those around us.
"As Nelson Mandela said, 'sport has the power to change the world' and in our way, I think we are doing that with our Titans Together programs."
Some avid Titans fans have now put the challenge to new club captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui to follow in Campbell's footsteps and cut off his luscious mullet for another $30,000... but Watt is a little worried about that.
"From my childhood, I still remember the biblical stories of Samson and once Samson lost his hair, he lost his strength and I really like Tino just the way he is," Watt said.
Maybe he can dye his hair Titans colours instead...
