AJ applies pressure
Elgey future under a cloud as rookie carves out own niche
ROOKIE AJ Brimson’s rise in the Titans No.6 jersey could force local product Kane Elgey out of the Gold Coast.
Brimson will tackle Sydney Roosters in Gosford on Saturday after retaining the five-eighth duties for the third straight match.
The 19-year-old has made an impressive start to his NRL career, and scored the matchwinning try in the Gold Coast’s comeback win against Newcastle last weekend.
The Titans have looked a more solid outfit since Brimson was promoted from the Intrust Super Cup.
Elgey has produced some promising performances for Tweed Heads Seagulls, however, Brimson has the opportunity to cement his claim to be halfback Ash Taylor’s long-term playmaking partner.
Titans coach Garth Brennan could not guarantee the off-contract Elgey, 24, would be offered a new deal.
“I just want to see how he comes back after he plays in the Queensland Cup and how he progresses,” he said.
Elgey will pocket more than $500,000 this season and if he is offered a new deal it is likely to be at a much lower salary.
The 42-game five-eighth was axed after a string of poor defensive performances and Bryce Cartwright’s failure in the No.6 saw Brennan take a punt on Brimson.
Brimson has been defensively strong in his two NRL games, making 32 of 36 attempted tackles, and ran the ball nine times for 88m against Newcastle.
The Titans have locked Brimson up until 2020 and even Brennan admitted he had been surprised by his swift transition to first grade.
“He has impressed me and surprised me,” he said. “He doesn’t lack confidence or belief in himself which is great for this team.
“You want a half that is confident and believes in themselves. He ticks all the boxes.”
Brimson’s promotion has coincided with Taylor returning to top form.
Taylor said Brimson deserved the chance to have an extended stint at five-eighth.
“He wasn’t just given that jersey, he worked hard and trained hard for that jersey,” Taylor said.
“I think he has done enough. He hasn’t really done much wrong.”
Young prop Moeaki Fotuaika has dropped out of the Titans’ 17 to accommodate the return of back-rower Kevin Proctor (groin) against the Roosters.