AJ Brimson’s nine-year association with the Gold Coast could be ending after the Titans granted their contracted star permission to negotiate with rivals.
Brimson remains contracted until the end of 2030 on a reported salary of approximately $900,000 per season, leaving about $3.6 million on his deal beyond 2026.
The 27-year-old has not yet received a release and remains a Titans player. However, allowing his management to speak with other clubs is a clear indication that both parties are prepared to consider an early separation.
Hannay Confirms Mutual Decision
Brimson’s management reportedly approached Gold Coast seeking permission to test the market after the former Queensland representative struggled to establish a permanent position under new coach Josh Hannay.
“As a club we have the utmost respect for AJ and we know he loves this club and always will,” Hannay said.
“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.”
That language is diplomatic, but the football reality is difficult to ignore.
The Titans handed Brimson a six-year extension in May 2024, describing him as a long-term leader and one-club player. Just over two years later, they are allowing him to search for a new home with four seasons remaining.
Brimson Wants to Play Fullback
Brimson’s positional uncertainty appears to be driving the potential departure.
He has spent time at fullback, five-eighth and centre during his NRL career, but is understood to want a permanent opportunity in the No.1 jersey.
Gold Coast instead views Keano Kini as its long-term fullback.
Hannay has also preferred Jayden Campbell and Lachlan Ilias in the halves, leaving centre as Brimson’s most likely position if he remains at the Titans.
His versatility has regularly been praised, but it may now be working against him.
Brimson is capable of filling several positions without currently owning any of them. For a player reportedly earning close to $900,000 annually, playing as a makeshift centre is difficult for Gold Coast to justify.
A rival looking for an established fullback could value him considerably more highly.
Perth Bears Loom as Leading Option
The Perth Bears immediately shape as one of the most logical destinations.
The expansion club needs established NRL players capable of becoming recognisable faces of its inaugural squad. Brimson’s pace, experience and versatility would make him an attractive recruitment target.
He has played more than 100 games for Gold Coast and represented Queensland four times between 2020 and 2023.
Brimson could arrive as Perth’s starting fullback while also providing insurance at five-eighth or centre during the club’s formative seasons.
The Bears would need to decide whether his reported $900,000 salary represents fair value. Gold Coast could also be asked to contribute financially if Brimson’s next club is unwilling to assume the full remaining contract.
No approach or agreement from Perth has been confirmed.
PNG Chiefs Could Enter the Race
The PNG Chiefs are another possible destination as they continue searching for representative-class recruits before entering the NRL.
Their potential financial advantages could allow them to offer Brimson an attractive package while making him one of the most experienced backs in their inaugural roster.
Brimson’s ability to represent England internationally may also increase his profile before the next Rugby League World Cup.
However, joining an expansion club would involve considerable uncertainty. Brimson would need to weigh the prospect of finally owning a position against the challenges accompanying a completely new organisation.
As with Perth, there is currently no confirmation that the Chiefs have formally entered negotiations.
Bulldogs Mentioned as Potential Bolter
Canterbury has been identified as another possible suitor despite extending Connor Tracey earlier this year.
Tracey can play fullback, centre, wing or a utility role, potentially giving the Bulldogs enough flexibility to accommodate Brimson.
The question is whether Canterbury needs to spend close to $900,000 on another backline player when its salary cap must also retain and strengthen other areas of the squad.
Brimson would add genuine running threat from fullback, but signing him could force Tracey into another position and create the same positional uncertainty Brimson is attempting to escape.
The Bulldogs connection was raised among the potential landing spots assessed by Fox Sports rather than as a confirmed negotiation.
Titans Must Answer for Long-Term Deal
Gold Coast’s decision raises another uncomfortable question about the club’s roster management.
When Brimson extended through 2030, the Titans described him as a foundational player who loved the club and could contribute across the backline.
Then-coach Des Hasler praised his leadership, connection to the community and ability to play multiple positions.
The coaching structure has since changed, with Hannay replacing Hasler and implementing his own vision for the spine.
That helps explain the change in Brimson’s role, but it does not erase the financial consequences of giving a player a six-year contract without a clearly defined long-term position.
Gold Coast has already committed heavily to Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Moeaki Fotuaika and Beau Fermor as Hannay attempts to build a more balanced roster.
Moving Brimson could create valuable salary-cap room, particularly if another club accepts his entire contract.
Paying part of his salary to play elsewhere would make the original extension look considerably worse.
Permission Is Not a Release
Brimson has only received permission to speak with rival clubs.
He cannot join another team unless an agreement is reached and Gold Coast formally releases him from the remainder of his contract.
The Titans could retain him if the available offers do not satisfy either party. A move may also depend on negotiations over how much of his salary his new club would assume.
Nevertheless, players contracted for another four seasons are not ordinarily invited to explore the market unless a genuine departure is possible.
Brimson once described himself as determined to remain a one-club player.
That ambition now looks increasingly unlikely to survive a long-term contract that has unravelled far sooner than Gold Coast ever planned.
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