AJ Brimson’s remarkable rise from personal tragedy and a tirade of setbacks to a State of Origin comeback is not as a stop-gap measure, nor is it with the view he could become Queensland’s new fullback for the years to come.
That was the declaration of Maroons coach Billy Slater, upon revealing the Gold Coast Titans star would replace the suspended Reece Walsh for game three on July 12.
AJ Brimson has won the battle for the Queensland Game III fullback spot, as Billy Slater explained why Selwyn Cobbo was left out.The 24-year-old was forced to overcome a pair of hamstring tears in the early exchanges of the NRL campaign, following an emotional off season in which he had to come to terms with the death of his close friend Liam Hampson., Brimson – who scored a crucial try in his sole Origin appearance back in 2020 – said he would “definitely be playing for Liam”.
From the seven NRL games he has been able to complete, he has lived up to that promise – averaging 156 metres and five tackle busts each appearance to go with eight try assists and six line breaks.AJ Brimson is treated for a hamstring injury.“I don’t look at it like he’s a fill in or he’s here for the next 10 years. You’re playing for Queensland because you deserve it at that moment,” Slater said.
“He’s had some hurdles to overcome throughout his whole career, obviously that’s an off field one that’s pretty personal to him but even on the field the injuries he’s overcome to put himself in a position to play for Queensland again he’s done a great job.“It’s not easy to be involved at this level and you’ve got to work really hard. You’ve got to do a lot of hours and commitment and sacrifice away from your club ... and AJ has obviously done that.
While Brimson appeared destined for a call-up, Broncos flyer Selwyn Cobbo and Cowboys gun Tom Dearden issued Slater one final reminder of their credentials to pose a last-minute headache.Cobbo, after scoring twice in the series opener, was sidelined with a hip injury for game two, but
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