AJ Brimson explains his decision to abandon Queensland and switch his Test allegiance to England

Titans star AJ Brimson has explained his reasons for quitting Queensland State of Origin selection and switching Test allegiances to England.

Titans dynamo AJ Brimson has spoken about the decision to relinquish his Queensland State of Origin eligibility and a potential $90,000-a-year for an English odyssey.

Brimson has officially switched Test allegiances from Australia to England in the lead-up to this year’s season-ending Ashes Series.

In doing so, he has forfeited the ability to be selected for the Maroons – a team he has made four Origin appearances for as recently as 2023.

At 26 and one of the NRL’s deadliest fullbacks on his day, Brimson would have still been in the Queensland selection mix with Origin players pocketing $30,000-a-game in the three-match annual series.

But he has instead chosen to honour his England-born mother Vanessa’s heritage, which meant giving up the opportunity to play for Queensland and Australia.

AJ Brimson has relinquished his Queensland Origin eligibility to play for England. Picture: Getty Images

“I am obviously a very proud Queenslander,” Brimson said.

“I grew up in Brisbane and my dream was to play Origin but I also grew up with a mum and family from England.

“I always thought it would be great if I could get the chance to represent both sides of the family because I am very proud of my English heritage as well.

“I am 27 this year. I am getting on. I just thought I would try to follow my mum’s side.

“It is something I’ve wanted to do for a while, play for England, so I will be putting my hand up to try to play for them this year and going forward.”

Brimson played four Origin games, including alongside Titans teammate Moeaki Fotuaika. Picture: Getty Images

Brimson showcased his brilliance with a stunning display in Gold Coast’s shock 28-8 win against Manly at Cbus Super Stadium on Friday night.

He ran for 247m, made two line breaks and set up a try in his best performance of the season after moving back to his favoured No. 1 jersey.

Brimson has started at fullback and as a bench utility for Queensland in sporadic Origin appearances since 2021.

But he will now attempt to make England’s Test team for the Ashes series abroad, alongside the likes of NRL stars Herbie Farnworth and Victor Radley.

“(The Ashes) would be insane to be a part of, especially over there,” he said.

“I have family over there that would love to see me play.

“I want to make my England debut and the World Cup is something that is on the cards as well next year.

“It’s a big decision to make. You don’t take it lightly. Origin is something that is very important to me as well and I am still a very proud Queenslander.

“I have got all my kit and have got my kid dressed in Queensland gear on Origin (night).

“Nothing is taking away my passion for Queensland but when you have got parents from different countries you’ve got two heritages.

“Obviously you’d always love to be part of Origin but this is the decision I have made and I have made it for my reasons.”

Brimson carved up Manly on Friday night. Picture: Getty Images

Brimson was born in Brisbane in 1998 and his Australian father Ian Brimson died in 2011, before AJ got the chance to play in the NRL.

Brimson has always embraced his mother’s heritage and named his son Beckham, a tribute to English football star David Beckham.

“My son is called Beckham so he has got a bit of English heritage as well,” he said.

“It would be cool for my son to see me play for England. I want him to know his heritage as well.

“My whole mum’s side of the family is in England. We used to go there as kids for family holidays … to Plymouth. (Mum) is from south London and she has got some family there which is good.

“It’s always hard when you say you can’t be eligible for Origin being a Queenslander but the opportunity to play for England is something I couldn’t pass up.”

After starting the season at five-eighth for the Titans, Brimson has returned to fullback in recent weeks amid injuries to Keano Kini (neck) and Jaylan de Groot (hamstring).

It remains his best position after 124 NRL games and he tore the Sea Eagles apart with his explosive running game.

“He was exceptional – the best player on the field,” Titans five-eighth Kieran Foran said.

“He’s such a talented footballer. He can play one, six, it’s a great problem to have once Keano is fit and firing.

“We’ll find a way to fit them all in and have our best players on the field.

“If he’s playing footy like that it doesn’t matter where you put him.”

Originally published as AJ Brimson explains his decision to abandon Queensland and switch his Test allegiance to England