Brimson clouding Elgey’s future
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 the 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 more solid in attack and defence since Brimson was promoted from the Intrust Super Cup.
Elgey has produced some promising performances for the Tweed Heads Seagulls, but Brimson has the chance to cement his claim as halfback Ash Taylor’s long- term halves partner. Titans coach Garth Brennan could not guarantee the off- contract Elgey 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. “He is a Gold Coast kid. I’ll have to monitor him and see how he goes in the next few months.”
Elgey, 24, 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 the teenager’s swift transition to first grade.
“He has impressed me and surprised me,” he said.