Koori Knockout a big influence in Campbell’s career

The Koori Knockout is one of the most iconic events on the rugby league calendar every year and for proud Kamilaroi and Daingatti man and Gold Coast Titan Jayden Campbell, it was a chance to see his family, friends and some of his favourite players in action.

He can even remember one year playing in the famous carnival when he was only 16.

Beginning in 1971, the New South Wales carnival is one of the biggest Indigenous gatherings in Australia. It’s equivalent in Queensland – the Murri Carnival – is much the same in the Sunshine State, beginning in 2011 and has seen many Titans in the past represent their culture and tribe in the celebration of rugby league.

“Watching all my uncles and cousins and the like… fellas like Nathan Blacklock, Rhys Wesser, Greg Inglis; they helped add a different dimension to everyone's game,” Campbell said.

“I’ve been going to Koori Knockouts since I was younger. I even played in one when I was 16.

“It’s just a lot rougher and a lot more tougher footy, but you know some of the skills and some of the things that they do down there… it's just ridiculous.”

Looking back at his time on the field playing at the Koori Knockout, the opposition didn’t hold back in testing out the youngster, but the competitiveness was what made it even more enjoyable.

“At 16, being skinny and everyone else being skinny I thought I was going to be alright, but then the first run of the ball, it felt like I was going to get my head taken off. They’d fly out of the line and try and smash you, but I absolutely loved playing in it,” Campbell said.

“I got to play in my cousins, playing for Tingha in the first one. It was really special.”

As the Titans celebrate Indigenous Round at home with a special reflection on the past 15 years of the club whilst looking ahead to the next generation, a very talented Indigenous footballer was Campbell's favourite player, alongside his dad. 

"I love Scotty Prince. I'm I was lucky enough to play some touch footy with Scotty when I was a bit younger, but I got to come to training and see Scotty Prince... I loved him.

"I suppose my dad was alright too... nah, I love my old man."