NRL: Crunch time for Campbell as Rogers calls time

Preston Campbell. Photo / Getty Images

Gold Coast livewire Preston Campbell will decide in the next fortnight whether to put his battle-weary body through one last NRL season or follow Mat Rogers into retirement.

Shattered by Gold Coast's 32-6 preliminary final thumping by the Roosters last night, Campbell admitted it was probably time to hang up the boots but didn't want to leave the club in the lurch.

The popular 33-year-old fullback said fellow veteran Rogers' departure would be a factor in his decision-making.

"Yes, that's something I have to think about," Campbell conceded. The 2003 Penrith premiership star revealed before the Suncorp Stadium play-off he would retire if the Coast went all the way, but now the decision for a 14th NRL season in 2011 appears touch and go.

"I don't know," he said. "It's one of those things, I don't really feel that satisfied but my body's telling me it's probably time to pull up. It's something I'd like to involve the whole family in. We'll sit down and talk about it in the next week or two and come up with a decision.

"I think it's only fair to let Carty (coach John Cartwright) know as soon as possible. (The senior players) assured me they would love to have me around as well, and that's a good feeling.

"But I have to think about my body. I'd like to be able to run around with my young bloke when he gets a bit older."

The Titans, with an average age of 28, still boast plenty of experience but Campbell and Rogers have been key contributors in their most successful season.

Rogers, 34, thanked all his apologetic teammates after the five-tries-to-one defeat which left him stranded on 199 NRL games.

The dual international, who had a quiet night after battling a lingering hip injury, was as surprised as anybody by the Titans' failure after they were dominated by the Roosters.

"I'm shocked," said Rogers. "I truly believed that we were going to win. You always believe that but it never once went through my mind that this was my last week of football."

But Rogers, who was in the sights of the Queensland Reds for a second switch of codes to rugby, had no second thoughts despite never winning a premiership.

"Look, I'm really comfortable in the decision I've made," he said. "I'm devastated. I won't say I'm not. But I've got an amazing wife, an amazing family and a lot to look forward to.

"I'm not disappointed in my career. The world won't stop spinning. Life goes on."

- AAP