Despite training in the position all pre-season, Titans gun AJ Brimson doesn’t quite think of himself as a centre just yet, but is happy to be playing the part for the team.
One of the many multi-positional players in the Titans squad, coach Des Hasler has opted to move Brimson to the right edge to accommodate starting Jayden Campbell at fullback when fit, with youngster Keano Kini to fill the role in the club’s season opener against the Dragons.
With the fruitful transition of Valentine Holmes from fullback to centre and the roaming role of Joseph Manu that maximises his ability to impact a game offered as inspiration, Brimson was looking to make the move a success and has set himself some daring goals.
“I still don’t quite look at myself as a centre … (but) I'm pretty keen to try and be the best centre I can.
“I'd be lying if I said I was stoked to be changing positions, but again, these things happen in footy and if it means we win games, it's all worth it.
“I definitely don't want to be stuck out on the edge there, so I think (Manu’s) a pretty good example of someone that can still have a massive impact on the result of the game in the centre position.
“Honestly, I just want to try and win a comp to be honest.
“My attitude is play as well as I can; play centre for Origin, centre for Australia, play finals for the Titans and then whatever happens, happens.
“It’s the same transition (as Holmes); … he's obviously done it quite well.
“I don't really base my game off him, but it's cool to see that other players have done it.”
Match: Titans v Dragons
Round 1 -
home Team
Titans
16th Position
away Team
Dragons
2nd Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
While Brimson himself may take some time to mentally settle into his new permanent position, veteran half Kieran Foran has been impressed with what he has seen at training and expects the Maroons representative to make the role his own.
“I love what I am seeing from AJ in the centres,” Foran said.
“He’s a footballer, he can play a number of positions, he’s said so himself (and) we know how potent he can be in all of those spots.
“I think at centre, he’s prepared to do what’s best for the team.
“He gives us great strike out there.
“I think he looked really comfortable against Parra (in the Pre-Season Challenge).”
AJ Brimson Try
Although Brimson suffered a head knock in the Gold Coast’s loss against the Eels, his is expected to be officially cleared to play in Round 1 at Cbus Stadium for what will be his 100th game.
Training partner and opposite centre Brian Kelly will be playing in his 100th game for the Titans, while forward Isaac Liu has recovered from a knee injury and is in line to be named for game 250 in what will be a big milestone match for the home side.
“It's a cool milestone to get, but I am kind of just looking forward to Round 1, to be honest,” Brimson said.
“It's cool to play my 100th, but it hasn't really played too much on my mind.
“It's awesome for Brian; 100 Titans game and obviously 250 for big Isaac, so that's very impressive, that's something I would definitely be a lot more pumped for, so I'm very happy for him and I'm happy to be able to go out there with them.
“I’m stoked (the game is at Cbus), I think there was about four or five occasions last year I was planning on playing 100th and then one hammy, other hammy, oblique or whatever it was.
“It's cool to be able to do it at Cbus especially; I'm really just looking forward to some family and friends coming and kind of having a little reunion that way, that's what I'm most looking forward to.”
