By Nick Wright
Incumbent Queensland fullback AJ Brimson has declared he could “play another five to 10 years” in the No.1 jumper, as the battle for the job on the Gold Coast heats up.
The injury-plagued Titan is locked in a three-way fight with Jayden Campbell and rookie Keano Kini for the position at the back under new coach Des Hasler.
AJ Brimson (middle) celebrates with his Titans teammates.Credit: Getty
Brimson was recalled to the Maroons for the final State of Origin clash in 2023, as Reece Walsh served a suspension, however he endured hamstring and oblique issues that limited him to 14 NRL appearances.
The 25-year-old was floated as a potential centre at the back end of the season, and admitted he would be open to the move.
“Hopefully, I’ll be able to have a bit of a roaming role if I do end up playing in the centres and get to still be around the ball for offloads and whatnot,” Brimson said.
“I’ll still try to do the same kind of stuff I do at fullback, but just less touches and less k’s, look after the body a bit.
“With my run of injuries anything could happen ... so maybe it will be a little bit less taxing on the body. But I’m also confident I can play another five to 10 years at fullback 80 minutes every week.
“I’ve had a few injuries, but every time I come back I feel 100 per cent, so it’s not like I’m worried about my hamstrings or previous injuries like my oblique.
“I’m coming into this preseason feeling good, so it’s not like it’s taking a toll on me.”
While there is a perceived contest for the fullback jumper, the trio involved have made light of the situation.
When reports emerged of tension, Brimson and Campbell jokingly hyped it up on social media.
“It’s pretty awkward at the moment, as I’ve been saying, so we don’t really talk too much out here,” Brimson quipped.
“It’s just kind of death stares and that. We’ve both put our hand up to play on the wing, so Keano can play fullback anyway, so I think it’ll work itself out.”
Brimson, Campbell and Kini are signed to the Titans until the end of 2026, and all three loom as the club’s most lethal attacking threats.
If it becomes a matter of fitting them into the same line-up, Brimson and Campbell’s versatility – both of whom have played centre and five-eighth at times – could work against them.
Campbell, still on the recovery track following a dislocated patella, confirmed he was pushing to establish himself as the Gold Coast’s long-term fullback, but was open to a switch.
He said he was on track to be fit for Round 1 but would be beginning the bulk of his preseason late.
“It’s good, I’m walking on it now. I’ve got to go see the surgeon in December to see if I can start running,” Campbell said.
“At times it can be frustrating, but it’s coming along good. I’m hoping to be right for Round 1, but we’ll see what happens.
“I feel like competing with your teammates and your mates just makes you a better footy player.
“Growing up, fullback was my main position, so I think just over time … I’ve just gotten used to it.”