AJ Brimson is speaking to the PNG Chiefs and the Perth Bears, after the Gold Coast Titans gave him permission to test free agency so that he can find a starting fullback role.
The 27-year-old has long wanted to be a No.1 in the NRL, but has been stuck at centre on the Gold Coast this season after Keano Kini claimed the jumper.
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Kini, who is still just 22, is viewed as the long-term fullback at the Titans, with Josh Hannay already working to extend his deal. Club junior Jayden Campbell already has control of a starting halves spot, and could play fullback as well.
That logjam led to Brimson asking Hannay for a crunch meeting, where the pair decided that the 27-year-old could wrap up his nine-year tenure with the Titans if he was able to find another club for 2027 and beyond.
“The club was approached by AJ’s management about whether we would allow AJ to explore other options within the NRL and we’ve granted them permission to do so,” Hannay said on the star’s impending release.
“As a club we have the utmost respect for AJ, and we know he loves this club and always will. The discussions have been incredibly respectful and will remain so. There is no animosity either way.
“This is simply a decision that both parties see as being in their own best interests.”
The Sporting Base understands any club that takes on Brimson will take over most of the $ 900,000-a-year contract that he’s currently on. That expires in 2030.
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The Chiefs are clear favourites, especially because they are cashed up and would allow Brimson to have a crack at the fullback jersey. The only problem there is they don’t enter the league until 2028, and the Gold Coast wantaway is eager to return to fullback as quickly as possible.
Most likely, he’ll take a one-year deal somewhere, then head to PNG in 2028.
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