Origin beckons for Brimson, says Lewis
QUEENSLAND great Wally Lewis has thrown his support behind Gold Coast Titans fullback AJ Brimson to make his State of Origin debut this November.
Since returning from a pre-season back injury in Round 12, Brimson has broken the line more than any other NRL player with 11 clean breaks and five tries from eight games.
His explosive running game has caught the eye of Lewis, who voiced his support for Brimson to don the Maroons No.14 jersey against NSW.
“He’s got enormous ent,” Lewis said.
“He’s had a really good season and one thing he’s proven to selectors is he is a comfortable performer at the highest level.
“When AJ first came on to the scene he really displayed plenty of ability and talent but one of his biggest difficulties was being shifted around in a couple of different positions.
“Now he’s fullback) he’s locked in displaying tal(to his confidence every steps on the field.
“Can he step up? Only time will tell, but his performances this year have been extremely consistent and that’s what it’s all about.”
Lewis said the 22-yearold’s time in limbo between five-eighth and fullback last year could help him become a game-changing spark off the Maroons bench.
“His ability to fill in at halfback, five-eighth and fullback offers a spot on the bench because you’ve got to remember Kalyn Ponga, who’s a fairly handy fullback,” Lewis said. time he
“Ponga has been there and done that (played off the bench) and proven himself to be a consistent performer in that squad.
“We’re all talking about AJ’s form this year but Ponga has form in previous campaigns and for his club.
“We’ve got to remember there are positions on the bench and they may even shift a fullback on to the wing when he gets on the field.”
Jai Arrow is another Titan expected to take the field against NSW if healthy but Lewis did not expect any other Titans to join them in
Maroon. With Moeaki Fotuaika’s international allegiance still up in the air, skipper Jamal Fogarty is one possible long shot for selection.
Lewis praised the 26-yearold former youth worker as a “good kid” but did not believe he would receive the call to deputise Daly Cherry-Evans.
“He’s got plenty of skills and I feel he’s told selectors he’s available,” he said.
“I’d say he’s probably still showing signs of brilliance that promise good things for the future but I’d be a bit surprised if he got the call.”