Gold Coast Titans fullback earning comparisons to Billy Slater but determined to keep grounded

AJ Brimson is earning comparisons to Billy Slater but the exciting teen is determined to keep his feet on the ground.

AJ Brimson is earning comparisons to Billy Slater but the exciting teen is determined to keep his feet on the ground.

Brimson, who is being mentioned as an NRL rookie of the year candidate, admits he has found the attention swirling around his debut season for the Gold Coast strange at times.

The 19-year-old, who made his debut against Melbourne in Round 10, showed the strides he has made in just three months when he lined up at fullback for the Titans against his idol Slater on Saturday.

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‘JITTERY’ PEACHEY RETHINKING TITANS MOVE

AJ Brimson scores a try ahead of Billy Slater of the Storm during the Round 24 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Melbourne Storm at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast. Photo: AAP

In scoring the Titans’ first try in the opening minutes of the game, Brimson showed his attacking ability and blinding speed.

But it was his three try-saving tackles — including one on Slater — that impressed most in just his third game at fullback.

“Obviously the first week I was extra nervous but I’ve felt a lot more comfortable (at fullback) the last couple of weeks,” Brimson said.

“Just a bit more practising at training in that fullback position is definitely helping me be more confident in the game.”

Brimson says he has no preference between the halves and fullback, he is seen as a long-term solution at No. 1 for the Titans.

And while Garth Brennan has previously said the Keebra Park graduate was unlikely to take over until Michael Gordon finishes with the club at the end of the 2019 season, his rapid development could change that scenario.

“If (Brennan) wants me as a half or a fullback (I’m happy),” Brimson said.

“I think fullback’s a really fun position, I just need to learn a lot more in that position.

“Attack’s pretty similar to half, there’s a bit more pushing and a bit more floating around each side but the defensive structure’s the main thing I’ve got to learn.”

Brimson has been a Slater fan for “as long as I can remember really”.

Billy Slater of the Storm acknowledges the crowd following his last game in Queensland, the Round 24 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Melbourne Storm at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast. Photo: AAP

“Obviously I’m a passionate Queenslander, so I love Billy, he’s a freak. It’s awesome to get to play the likes of him and Munster and Smith and all those fellas,” he said.

“When the whistle goes, they’re not my idols and they’re not my mates but when I look back on it, it’s pretty cool to experience.”

And while Brimson may cringe at the attention, there are plenty pointing out the similarities between him and a young Slater.

“It’s a big comparison that one,” Garth Brennan said.

“There are some things in AJ’s game — he’s certainly got the speed and he competes on everything and that’s something that Billy’s got as well — but positionally and managing a game and things like that, I’m sure AJ will sit back over the next few years and pick Billy Slater’s game to pieces on the video and learn from that.

“Being out there and playing against him I’m sure was a big thrill for him.

“He’s got a big future ahead of him and if he can go on to do half of what Billy Slater’s done he will have a fantastic career.”

Just 14 games into his NRL career, Brimson wants to seal his place as a first grade regular before getting carried away with comparisons to one of the greats.

AJ Brimson of the Titans is tackled by Jesse Bromwich (left) and Cameron Munster of the Storm during the Round 24 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Melbourne Storm at Cbus Super Stadium. Photo: AAP

“I’m not thinking too much about the next step at the moment, I’m just trying to find my feet in the NRL and be a consistent first-grade player,” he said.

“NRL was the dream and obviously Queensland and Australia would be a dream one day but right now, I just want to focus on trying to play decent first grade every week.”