AJ brimming with talent

Teen Titan compared to NRL great Billy the Kid

AJ Brimson is earning comparisons to Billy Slater but the exciting teen is determined to keep his feet on the ground.

Brimson, a likely NRL rookie-of-the-year candidate, admits he has found the attention swirling around his debut season for the Titans strange.

The 19-year-old, who made his debut against Melbourne in Round 10, showed the strides he has made in just 14 games when he lined up at fullback for the Gold Coast against his idol Slater on Saturday.

In scoring the Titans’ first try in the opening minutes of the game, Brimson showed his attacking ability and speed.

But it was his three try-saving tackles – including one on Slater – that impressed most in his third game at fullback.

“Obviously the first week I was extra nervous but I’ve felt a lot more comfortable (at fullback) the last couple of weeks,” Brimson said. “Just a bit more practising at training in that fullback position is definitely helping me be more confident in the game.”

Brimson says he has no preference between the halves and fullback but is seen as a solution at No.1 for the Titans.

And while Garth Brennan has previously said the teen was unlikely to take over until Michael Gordon finishes with the club at the end of the 2019 season, his rapid development could change that scenario.

“If (Brennan) wants me as a half or a fullback (I’m happy),” Brimson said. “I think fullback’s a really fun position, I just need to learn a lot more in that position. Attack’s pretty similar to half, there’s a bit more pushing and a bit more floating around each side but the defensive structure’s the main thing I’ve got to learn.”

While Brimson may cringe at the attention, there are plenty pointing out the similarities between him and Slater.

“There are some things in AJ’s game that Billy’s got as well but positionally and managing a game, I’m sure AJ will pick Slater’s game to pieces and learn from it,” Brennan said.