The Canterbury Bulldogs are reportedly ‘monitoring’ the contract situation with AJ Brimson at the Gold Coast Titans, and could be interested in bringing him to Sydney to play fullback. Brimson is on a long-term deal with the Titans until the end of 2030, believed to be worth $850,000 per season.
However the 27-year-old has been playing out of position at centre due to Keano Kini’s presence at fullback – where Brimson has played has played four State of Origin games for Queensland. Brimson is doing the selfless thing for the team, shifting out of his preferred position because of how good Kini is.
Phil Gould (L) and the Bulldogs are said to be ‘monitoring’ the situation with former Origin player AJ Brimson (R). Image: Getty
But there’s speculation that Brimson could be looking for a move that would allow him to play fullback. The Titans would need to grant him a release from his contract, which isn’t out of the realms of possibility considering they’re paying him $850,000 to play centre – the same as superstars Stephen Crichton and Herbie Farnworth.
Latrell Mitchell is the highest-paid centre in the NRL on $1.1 million, but he signed that contract when he was playing fullback. Valentine Holmes is on $1 million at the Dragons.
AJ Brimson has been playing centre for the Titans.
(Chris Hyde)Bulldogs ‘monitoring’ AJ Brimson situation
Speaking on the ‘Rugby League Insider’ podcast on Wednesday, leading journalist James Hooper said the Bulldogs are ‘monitoring’ the Brimson situation. The Dogs recently re-signed Connor Tracey for two more years, but Tracey hasn’t enjoyed the best start to the season.
Phil Gould and the Bulldogs appeared very keen on Jahream Bula before he extended with the Wests Tigers. “I’ve heard they’re monitoring the situation with AJ Brimson and I think they’re looking at him as a fullback,” Hooper reported.
“My understanding is AJ probably has a preference to wear the No.1 jumper and that’s not going to happen at the Titans. He hasn’t really found his best position.
“For anything to happen the Gold Coast would need to give him permission to negotiate with rival clubs. But were that to happen, I don’t think the Bulldogs would be the only club interested.”
Gould was spotted meeting fellow Gold Coast player Sam Verrills last weekend in Brisbane during Magic Round. The Bulldogs could be looking to upgrade at hooker amid concerns Bailey Hayward isn’t the genuine No.9 they need. But Hooper reported things have “gone cold” on that front and Verrills won’t be signing with Canterbury.
“It lends itself to the fact the Dogs clearly aren’t happy with their key position players,” Hooper added. “That’s on Gus and coach Cameron Ciraldo because it hasn’t worked. If I’m a Bulldogs fan the possibility of bringing in AJ Brimson gets me up and about.”