Gold Coast Titans selection puzzle: AJ Brimson, Jayden Campbell, Keano Kini in three-way fullback battle

Gold Coast Titans coach Des Hasler is facing a selection nightmare in his debut campaign at Parkwood after locking in his five-eighth for next season.

Jayden Campbell. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

New Titans coach Des Hasler will keep faith in Kieran Foran at five-eighth in a move that will plunge AJ Brimson, Jayden Campbell and rising star Keano Kini into a three-way shootout for the fullback spot.

Hasler is facing a selection nightmare in his debut campaign at Parkwood with the Titans under pressure to find a starting spot for the brilliant Campbell, who played 10 of his 22 games off the bench this year.

Speculation was rife Hasler would consider axing Tanah Boyd at halfback and handing the No.7 jumper to Foran, which would enable the Gold Coast mentor to start Brimson at pivot and Campbell at fullback.

But as the Titans prepare to launch their 2024 pre-season on Monday week, Hasler dismissed suggestions he would move Foran, saying his former Manly protege is the perfect option at second receiver.

“He is a six,” Hasler said of Foran, whom he coached at five-eighth in Manly’s 2011 premiership win.

Kieran Foran will start at five-eighth. Picture Glenn Hampson

“I thought ‘Foz’ played really well last season. He had a great year.

“He adds that voice of experience and he is a good mentor for the players to have around.

“You can never under-rate what experience brings. It’s hard to put it in words, but Foz was amazing.

“In those hard moments in the game, you need those players like Foz that have influence.”

Blooded as a bench utility in 2019, Boyd edged out Toby Sexton for the halfback spot last season, with the 23-year-old showing signs of promise in his 21 games in the No.7 jumper.

Brimson played 13 of his 14 games last season at fullback, but the Queensland Origin flyer also has the versatility to slot into the centres.

There are fears whizkid Campbell, contracted until 2026, could be lost to the Titans if the club can’t give him regular starting time.

Rather than be daunted, Hasler welcomed the selection showdown and declared positions are up for grabs as Brimson and Campbell face a fresh attacking threat in the form of the electric Kini.

The boom 19-year-old played six games in his rookie NRL season in 2023 and Kini lit up the Hostplus Cup grand final last month when he ran for a whopping 264 metres in Burleigh’s 22-18 loss to Brisbane Tigers.

The quick-stepping Kini has already caught the eye of Hasler, who has refused to guarantee Brimson or Campbell the No.1 jumper and says pre-season performances will be telling.

“There’s an instinctiveness about Jayden, it’s the same with AJ,” Hasler said.

AJ Brimson. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

Jayden Campbell. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty

“I always coach a player to play a number of positions.

“Tom Trbojevic (whom Hasler mentored at Manly) can play centre, fullback or five-eighth if you had to throw him in there.

“Is Jayden Campbell a fullback or half? The versatility is going to be really good.

“It’s about getting in there, having a look, talking to the players and seeing what’s the best fit.

“A lot can happen between now and kick off next year. There is a long way to go.

“Brimson played fullback in Origin but can play in the halves and centres as well.

“There is a real talent coming through, too, in Kini ... I won’t make any decisions yet.”

Some of the Titans’ biggest names will report for pre-season on day one, including Brimson, Campbell, Boyd and Queensland Origin back-rower David Fifita, who returns from minor knee surgery.