Fire and Brimson for Titans

GOLD Coast coach Justin Holbrook believes it’s no coincidence the Titans have burst back to life following the return to fullback AJ Brimson.

Brimson is one of the NRL’s form No. 1s heading into today’s showdown against Canterbury at ANZ Stadium.

The speedy custodian has racked up 10 line breaks and 20 tackle busts in only five games since returning from a broken back suffered at the Perth Nines in February.

The Titans have recorded two wins since Brimson came back into the team and have a golden opportunity to claim their sixth victory of the year against the Bulldogs.

While the Titans have been gutsy in 2020, Brimson has added an attacking spark.

“It’s no coincidence, he’s just that good a player,” Holbrook said.

“He’s only a young guy and to have fractures in his back … we looked like getting him back early but had to make sure he was 100 per cent right to look after his … future.

“He could have played a couple of weeks earlier but we did the right thing holding him back and he’s showing what a great player he is.”

Brimson, 21, has scored three tries and is averaging 135m a match since returning to the NRL and said he wanted to make the Titans’ No. 1 jersey his own for years to come.

“I’m happy to be back out there and having fun,” he said.

“I’ve been loving it the last couple of years at fullback. That’s the position I want to make mine.

“Gold Coast is my home. I get along really well with the staff and playing group. I’m contracted until 2022 so that’s where my mind is.”

Forwards Jai Arrow and Moeaki Fotuaika will return to the Titans team against Canterbury, but Holbrook will retain Tyrone Peachey at lock.