NRL: Maroons back Dane Gagai says Gold Coast flyer AJ Brimson is ready for Origin

Queensland have been hit hard by injury on the eve of November’s Origin series, but Maroons back Dane Gagai believes Gold Coast fullback AJ Brimson is ready to handle the big stage.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Alexander Brimson of the Titans makes a break to score a try during the round 19 NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Gold Coast Titans at Lottoland on September 19, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Queensland try machine Dane Gagai has warned that Kevin Walter’s men are ready to unleash some star rookies on the Blues amid injury carnage at the Maroons.

And Gagai, who has 11 tries in 11 games for Queensland, nominated Gold Coast fullback AJ Brimson to be one of those young guns ready for the cauldron of State of Origin.

The Maroons have already lost David Fifita and Michael Morgan for this year‘s Origin series and Ben Hunt could be another scratching as the Queenslanders look to turn the state’s fortunes around.

But as difficult as these setbacks are for the Maroons, Gagai believes the cane toads are perfectly placed to unearth some rising talent in this year’s series, nominating Brimson as a potential smoky selection.

The Brisbane-born speedster has excelled for the rebuilding Titans this season, scoring five tries in his eight games in the No.1 jumper since returning from a pre-season back injury.

He was particularly potent in the Gold Coast’s big win over Manly last weekend, scoring two tries and running for 200 metres.

Gagai has no doubts that 22-year-old Brimson will handle Origin if he is given the chance.

“He (AJ) has been playing some great footy,” Gagai said.

“He has been in the mix for Origin and coming into camps.

“I guess that is what Origin is based on – just competing and all those little effort areas.”

Dane Gagai scores another State of Origin Game try. Photo Annette Dew

Gagai, who will celebrate his 200th NRL game against the Roosters on Friday night, said he had full faith in Queensland’s squad to strongly perform no matter who is selected.

“I guess we’ve got confidence in whoever they bring in,” he said.

“It is unfortunate and disappointing.

“You never want to hear boys getting injured, especially with Origin being postponed for towards the end of the year.

“Fortunately for me, I don’t have to make those decisions and I’ve just got to focus on playing footy.”

The opening game of this year’s post-season State of Origin series will be played at the Adelaide Oval on November 4, just 10 days after the NRL Grand Final.

Originally published as NRL: Maroons back Dane Gagai says Gold Coast flyer AJ Brimson is ready for Origin