In rugby league, versatility can be both a blessing and a curse - and Titans star AJ Brimson could be set to find that out the hard way.
The 24-year-old has been one of Gold Coast's most important players in recent years, featuring at both fullback and five-eighth, as well as representing Queensland at State of Origin level on four occasions.
However, his time in the No.1 jumper in club land could be coming to an end heading into next season, with the arrival of new head coach Des Hasler set to shake things up.
Jayden Campbell and Keano Kini have both spent time at fullback throughout 2023, and with Brimson possessing the ability to cover anywhere in the backline, the Keebra Park product could be shifted out wide.
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Titans star AJ Brimson addresses potential positional switch
Speaking on the latest episode of The Sporting News/YKTR EBBS AND FLOWS, Brimson gave a determined and stubborn response when quizzed on playing in the centres under Hasler.
"I don’t hate it, but I don’t just want to give up my position as well," he said.
“In my eyes, I feel like we’re best when I’m firing at fullback. In saying that, we’re at our best when JC and me are both on the field. I’m not exactly too sure where – there has been hints that I could be moving to centre.
"I feel like these things usually have a way of working themselves out. At the moment, I’m pretty open and I’d rather be playing centre and winning games than not.
"I look at little things like – we’re in a spine meeting for Melbourne and I don’t want to play in a game where I’m not a part of the spine. I like having a say on how we play and I feel like I’ve got a pretty high footy IQ.
"I like being able to use my left foot down short sides and things like that. If Dessy comes in and says he wants me fullback, great. If he wants me centre, at the end of the day he’s the coach… I will try and be the best centre."
Brimson has crossed for 38 tries in 99 games for the Titans since making his debut five years ago, but has been hampered at times by injuries, only managed 14 appearances this season as the side missed the finals.
The speedster signed a long-term deal a number of years ago and despite some glimpses of brilliance, Brimson knows a lot of weight falls on his shoulders in regards to Gold Coast reaching sustained success in the NRL.
“I’m a key part of our team and I need to be playing good for us to do that," he said.
"I want to be that player in the team and it’s better than not being relied on. I’d rather die trying to do a grubber in the last minute than throw it to someone else.
"That’s the sort of pressure I want and you’ve got to live up to it then as well and not wasting people’s time."
AJ Brimson 2023 NRL stats
| Games | 14 |
| Tries | 4 |
| Try Assists | 12 |
| Linebreaks | 10 |
| Tackle Breaks | 58 |
| Avg. Run Metres | 133m |
