Gold Coast Titans coach Garth Brennan has revealed 20-year-old gun AJ Brimson could miss the start of the season as he recovers from shoulder surgery.
Brimson, who took the NRL by storm in the latter stages of last season, is battling to be fit for the team's final trial against the Brisbane Broncos on March 2 – 15 days before the Titans begin their 2019 campaign.
But Brennan won't risk playing the livewire back in round one unless he is 100 per cent ready.
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"I am not going to rush him, he is too important," Brennan said.
"I will give him every opportunity to be right for round one.
"He is flying at the moment. If he gets through the Broncos trial unscathed and there is no risk whatsover, then I will consider him for round one.
"But he has to get over a few hurdles yet before he gets to that stage."
Brennan still doesn't know what number Brimson will wear if he is available to play in the first game against the Canberra Raiders at Cbus Super Stadium.
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The speedster impressed at fullback in 2018 but his preferred position is five-eighth.
Recruits Ryley Jacks, Tyrone Peachey and Tyrone Roberts can all play pivot as well, with Ash Taylor locked in at halfback.
Meanwhile, veteran Michael Gordon is a reliable fullback.
It's given Brennan a lot to think about and he won't hurry into a decision on the make-up of the side.
"There's going to be some positions up for grabs and it may not be finalised until that last trial," he said.
"But that's pleasing for me as a coach, knowing that there is some real competition for spots.
"And the players are aware of that as well. They understand that there are no walk-up starts at the Gold Coast Titans."
Brimson's emergence was beacon of hope for the Titans in 2018, with the team finishing 14th.