Brimson to morph into Titans' centre of attention

Titan AJ Brimson could become an opposition centre's "nightmare", according to Kieran Foran. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

Kieran Foran expects AJ Brimson to become an opposition centre's "nightmare" in a Gold Coast positional switch he says will transform the NRL battlers.

Foran on Monday laid out new coach Des Hasler's plans for the former Queensland State of Origin fullback.

He confirmed the idea would be for the 25-year-old to shift to centre, allowing Jayden Campbell to wear the No.1 jersey and Tanah Boyd to partner him in the halves.

That still leaves 19-year-old talent Keano Kini vying for a spot. The teenager has been training at fullback with Campbell rehabilitating in the off-season and "pushing guys right to the brink for positions", according to Titans veteran Foran.

Brimson has played centre just once in 99 NRL games for the Titans - in his last game of 2023 - but his speed and astute defence could translate into a significant upgrade for the club. 

"He looks so electric and in that position you're coming up against guys one-on-one with a bit of space inside and outside," Foran said.

"He's that fast off the mark, you give him an inch and he's off and gone.

"He's thoroughly enjoying it and another thriving under Dessy's coaching and will be a strike weapon.

"You can't fit two or three fullbacks into the one position and they (Brimson and Campbell) are some of our best players.

"You've got to find space for these guys to be on the field at the same time.

"He's got fuel in the tank sitting out there. He'll be an opposition centre's nightmare."

Foran said Brimson's willingness to give up the No.1 jersey and potentially end the spine merry-go-round of recent seasons could be a turning point for a club that's finished in the top 10 just four times in the last 13 seasons.

"For sure; that mentality from AJ shows the direction this club needs to head in," he said.

"It just speaks volumes."

Club five-eighth Foran, off contract beyond the 2024 season, reckons he's feeling "as good as he's ever felt" entering a 16th NRL season.

The 33-year-old said playing hooker for New Zealand in Tests late last year had given him confidence to think he could play on.

"I battled a few niggling injuries last season, but the fact I was able to punch out the minutes I did ... gave me great belief," he said.

"There's plenty of fuel left in the tank. I'm my own harshest critic and I'll be holding myself to that level all year."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store