By Nick Wright
AJ Brimson’s emphatic showing alongside Jayden Campbell has provided an insight into the potential threat posed by the Titans’ new-look halves combination this season.
The pair, who helped dismantle the Dolphins 26-18 in their final Preseason Challenge clash, are now looking to emulate their rivals at the Melbourne Storm.
Having battled a groin injury in 2024 while playing fullback, centre and five-eighth, Brimson looked at home in the No.6 jumper, declaring he felt “dangerous” again after a full preseason of training.
AJ Brimson scores for the Gold Coast Titans against the Dolphins in the Preseason Challenge.Credit: NRL Photos
The Queensland Maroons ace scored twice and ran for 146 metres, two linebreaks and four tackle busts against the Dolphins, while Campbell finished with 126 metres and two try assists.
While the duo rose through the ranks as fullbacks, Brimson believed they could emulate their Melbourne counterparts Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes and make a similar positional switch with success.
“I wouldn’t say they’re a template, we don’t look at the Storm and try to play the same way, but it is a good confidence booster knowing their spine four or five years ago was probably similar to what ours is now,” Brimson said.
“JC is a very skillful player. He’s probably not going to be the most traditional 7 in terms of a [Nathan] Cleary or [Adam] Reynolds, and we don’t want to take any threat away from his running game.
“But at the end of the day, he has a good kicking game and is really good at communicating, so he’s slotted in pretty well.
“We’re not trying to copy the Storm, but it’s good to see they’ve made that transition. They’ve got three fullbacks who have moulded into their own positions.”
Brimson and Campbell worked in well with fullback Keano Kini – who ran for 185 metres and scored at Kayo Stadium – but the jury is still out on whether the free-flowing brand is sustainable.
When forced into a grind and tight contest, teams look to their experienced heads to steady the ship, kick to corners, and build pressure. Last year, the Gold Coast won four of nine clashes decided by six points or fewer.
Those defeats were the difference between playing finals and finishing 14th.
The Brimson-Campbell scrum base is a bold ploy but Titans veteran Kieran Foran believes the new partnership is tailor-made for the current era.
“I think we’ve seen teams in the competition take on that style by bringing different fullbacks into play and turning them into halves. We’re seeing various clubs do it,” Foran said.
“It’s no different with our guys. They’re both natural ball runners, but they’ve got an incredible ability to play ‘eyes up’ footy and have the skill to execute on top of that.
“The way they’ve worked together throughout preseason, it holds them in good stead. They’ve had a few injuries over the past couple of years, but if they can find that consistency on the field they’ll be dangerous week in, week out.
“They’re just excitement machines. You could see the style of footy they’re able to play – off the cuff and just allow their natural ability, skill and speed to take over – was super impressive.”
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