When Jayden Campbell heard Todd Payten's glowing assessment of the young fullback, it came as quite a shock to the son of a gun.
Fronting the media to promote the Gold Coast's upcoming Indigenous Round clash against Cowboys, the 22-year-old was completely lost for words when asked about his thoughts on the North Queensland coach's admission he was one of the game's most underrated players.
"To say I'm one of the most underrated players and he hasn't even seen me... it's pretty surreal," Campbell said, after gathering his thoughts.
"It makes you feel really good to get a compliment from another coach.
"I've just got to keep putting in my best performance every week and do my best."
'I want to bring energy to the team' - Campbell
It was a feather in the cap for the Gold Coast junior, who has been electrifying since overcoming a rib injury; averaging 190 running metres, six tackle breaks and a line break per game in his last three matches upon his return.
Initially putting plenty of pressure on himself as a key linchpin in the Titans spine, the young No. 1 was able to use the time on the sidelines to channel that pressure into energy, which has been evident in his performances since getting back on the field.
"I don't really think about [the pressure] too much. What I want to try and bring to the team is energy," Campbell said.
"If the boys get a little bit flat, I try to pick them up and just keep being energetic and that's where I say I've helped the team out.
"I don't really feel too much pressure. At the start of the year, I used to put a lot of pressure on myself, but the last few weeks, I've just been going out and playing footy.
"That's helped me a lot, so now I don't really feel too much pressure."
Match: Titans v Cowboys
Round 13 -
home Team
Titans
15th Position
away Team
Cowboys
3rd Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
The Queensland Derby is set to produce a scintillating matchup between Campbell and fellow young fullback Scott Drinkwater, who has been on fire for the Cowboys since assuming the No. 1 jersey in Round 5.
However, the North Queensland playmaker isn't a sight unseen by the Titans youngster, watching him make a name for himself when coming through the grades.
"I used to watch Scotty when he was playing Queensland Cup. The last few weeks, he's been really great for them and it's good to come up against him and the Cowboys," Campbell said.
"Hopefully I get to put my best performance in and try to help the team out as much as I can."
The Thursday night clash will also be a special affair for the proud Kamilaroi and Daingatti man, who is thrilled to be part of the club's Indigenous Round at Cbus Super Stadium.
Titans players reflect on Club's first 15 years
"Just to be able to wear a Titans jersey in general is always a pleasure, but is really special to me," Campbell said.
I know it's special for a lot of the other boys in our team like Brian (Kelly), Corey (Thompson) and David (Fifita) when he wore it last week as well.
"They're all the same as me... it's an honour."
Don't miss the latest chapter of the Queensland Derby between the Titans and Cowboys.
