Campbell scored a second-half intercept try that turned Friday's game back in his side's favour, before his forced drop-out led to Phillip Sami's late try at Allianz Stadium.
Following Kieran Foran's biceps injury, Campbell - used as a fullback through most of his previous 60 NRL games - has been entrusted with the No.7 jersey.
The livewire 25-year-old has grown with each game and his efforts helped end the Gold Coast's 11-game losing streak against the Roosters, which stretched back to 2016.
On the other side of the ledger, it was another reality check for Trent Robinson's men, who have started this season 1-3 and face bitter rivals South Sydney next Friday.
The good news for Robinson is that Victor Radley and Mark Nawaqanitawase both passed head injury assessments and should be clear to face the Bunnies.
There will be some doubt over prop Spencer Leniu, who was placed on report for high contact on Gold Coast front-rower Reagan Campbell-Gillard.
But this was a game for the taking for the Roosters, who had six first-half line breaks but just one try to their name which came courtesy of Nawaqanitawase in the 10th minute.
Five-eighth Sandon Smith - under added scrutiny following speculation his club are in the market for Daly Cherry-Evans - sent former Wallabies winger Nawaqanitawase over against the grain for his side's opener.
The Roosters' lead was short-lived when AJ Brimson powered through a narrow gap close to the line to put the Gold Coast on the board in the 18th minute.
It wasn't until the second half that either side could find a breakthrough, Campbell kicking a penalty 30m out from in front when Siua Wong was penalised for a leg pull tackle on David Fifita.
Dom Young crossed to put the Roosters back in the box seat but as they went for the jugular, Smith pulled the wrong lever.
The playmaker looked to hit Angus Crichton and instead his pass was delivered on a platter to Campbell, who raced 100m to score and make it 12-12 with 15 minutes left on the clock.
Campbell then showed his class, trapping the Roosters in the in-goal with a grubberkick.
On the ensuing set, Campbell shaped to get set up for a field goal but instead the Titans flung it right to Sami, who touched down.
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Brimson added tries in the final 10 minutes to further bolster the Titans' advantage and ensure Des Hasler's side begin their year 2-1 ahead of next Saturday's home clash with the Dolphins.
