Brimson targets Test centre spot after Titans switch

By: Joel Gould Time published 2024-03-06 at 03:34 AM (GMT +11:00)

Gold Coast's new centre AJ Brimson waxed lyrical about his move from fullback, one that he did not seek but a switch he intends to make a huge success.

ALEXANDER BRIMSON of the Titans is tackled during the NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Cbus Super Stadium in Gold Coast, Australia.
ALEXANDER BRIMSON of the Titans is tackled during the NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Cbus Super Stadium in Gold Coast, Australia. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

AJ Brimson says he wants to play centre for Australia after making a positional switch for the Gold Coast that he admitted to not being "stoked" about.

Brimson will line up at centre in his 100th NRL game for the club in the home clash against St George Illawarra on Saturday night after coach Des Hasler decided that moving him from fullback, his favourite position, was best for the team dynamic.

Keano Kini will play No.1 until Jayden Campbell, who Hasler had earmarked for fullback, returns from a knee injury.

Brimson, 25, played 13 of his 14 games in an injury-impacted 2023 as a custodian. It is a position he occupied for all of 2021 in a career where he has also been utilised as a No.6.

When asked if his time as a fullback was over, Brimson was honest.

"I'd be lying if I said I was stoked to be changing positions," he said.

"These things happen in footy. If it means we win games, then it's all worth it.

"We'll see how this year goes then we'll ask these questions again."

When pressed if he wanted to get back to fullback next year, Brimson outlined the ambition that has led to him representing Queensland in State of Origin footy.

"Honestly, I just want to try and win a comp," he said.

"Time will tell.

"At the moment I'm not thinking, hopefully I have a good year so I can play fullback next year. That's definitely not my attitude.

"I want to play as well as I can and play centre for Origin and Australia and finals for the Titans."

That last statement will be music to the ears of coach Hasler ahead of a positional move the club hopes will be as successful as that of Valentine Holmes at North Queensland, who also did the same switch.

"It's the same transition," Brimson said.

"We're similar players. He's done it quite well.

"I don't really base my game off him but it's cool to see other players have done it."

Brimson said his 100th game for the club would be "a cool milestone" but his focus was on shining in his new role.

"It's something I'm still learning but it's exciting," he said.

"Sometimes these things happen in footy. If I was to kick stones, there's absolutely nothing positive that would come out of that for me or the team.

"I'm pretty keen to try be the best centre I can."