'Not going to go into details': Reagan Campbell-Gillard addresses Eels departure as Titans role revealed
Updated . First published at
Reagan Campbell-Gillard has lifted the lid on his exit from Parramatta, admitting that "shit happens" and he is looking forward to starting fresh at the Titans.
In one of many surprising moves made by new coach Jason Ryles, the 31-year-old was pushed out by the club immediately after winning the Player of the Year award.
Campbell-Gillard has since put pen to paper on a three-year contract with Gold Coast and explained to the media on Saturday how the decision came about.
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"I'm not going to go into too much details, but I said to Ryles, 'tell me how it is' and he felt like he wanted to go in a different direction," he said.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard in his new colours at the Titans. Gold Coast Titans
"I understand that - it's a business and everyone needs to understand that as well.
"I still had one more year left, but at my age to secure my future, that was sort of main thing and having that security as well. At my age, three years is a lifetime.
"Shit happens, you know, that's just rugby league and how the business works. They don't want me, then that's alright. I'm fully okay with that and I've landed up here."
Campbell-Gillard will add plenty of experience to a developing roster at the Titans, while also complementing an already-strong forward pack.
The former NSW and Kangaroos enforcer admits one of his main goals at the club will be to ensure skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui can ease back into things after missing the majority of the 2024 season due to an ACL injury.
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui will return for the Titans in 2025. NRL Images
"I've come to take the pressure off Tino," he said.
"Tino's coming back from an injury and a bad one as well.
"So with myself and Moe [Fotuaika] and the other boys on the bench with Jaimin [Jolliffe] as well, I think if we could take the pressure off Tino, then he's not doing a lot of work to get the team forward.
"I'm happy to do that role and I'll do it for him."
Campbell-Gillard will have to wait a little longer than most clubs to get on the field next season, with the Titans receiving a bye in the opening round.
