BRIM HIM IN

Queensland Origin coach ready to roll out star rookies

QUEENSLAND try machine Dane Gagai has warned that Kevin Walters’ men are ready to unleash some star rookies on the Blues amid injury carnage at the Maroons.

And Gagai, who has 11 tries in 11 games for Queensland, nominated Gold Coast fullback AJ Brimson to be one of those young guns ready for the cauldron of State of Origin.

The Maroons have already lost David Fifita and Michael Morgan for this year’s Origin series and Ben Hunt could be another scratching as the Queenslanders look to turn the state’s fortunes around.

But as difficult as these setbacks are for the Maroons, Gagai believes the cane toads are perfectly placed to unearth some rising talent in this year’s series, nominating Brimson as a potential smoky selection.

The Brisbane-born speedster has excelled for the rebuilding Titans this season, scoring five tries in his eight games in the No 1 jumper since returning from a pre-season back injury.

He was particularly potent in the Gold Coast’s big win over Manly last weekend, scoring two tries and running for 200m.

Gagai has no doubts that 22-year-old Brimson will handle Origin if given the chance.

“He has been playing some great footy,” Gagai said.

“He has been in the mix for Origin and coming into camps.

“I guess that is what Origin is based on – just competing and all those little effort areas.”

Gagai, who will play his 200th NRL game against the Roosters on Friday night, said he had full faith in Queensland’s squad to perform, no matter who was selected.

“I guess we’ve got confidence in whoever they bring in,” he said.

“It is unfortunate and disappointing. You never want to hear boys getting injured, especially with Origin being postponed for towards the end of the year.

“Fortunately for me, I don’t have to make those decisions and I’ve just got to focus on playing footy.”

The first State of Origin game will be played at the Adelaide Oval on November 4.