Kid has backs covered

ALEXANDER Brimson is in the hunt to make his NRL debut in the halves but he could prove the Gold Coast’s long-term fullback solution.

The 19-year-old has rocketed into consideration after Ash Taylor was yesterday ruled out with a hamstring injury.

The Titans have labelled the measure a precaution and expect their marquee playmaker to be back on deck for their Round 3 match against St George Illawarra in Toowoomba but it could be the catalyst for another promising career to begin today.

Bryce Cartwright has been listed at halfback with Morgan Boyle elevated to lock but it would come as no surprise if Brimson was plucked from the extended bench to start in the halves for the 2pm kick-off at Mt Smart Stadium.

The 19-year-old has long been touted for big things and made his senior rugby league debut at five-eighth last Sunday for Tweed Heads against Norths in the Intrust Super Cup.

Brimson’s 2017 was highlighted by selection in the Queensland under-20 State of Origin side as well as winning a share of the Titans’ National Youth Competition player of the year award. He was upgraded from a development contract to a spot in NRL top 30 during pre-season.

And while he is making his mark in the halves, there is a line of thought that fullback may be his spot in the future.

In the wake of superstar Jarryd Hayne’s departure, the Titans signed veteran custodian Michael Gordon on a twoyear deal with Brennan speaking of his desire to promote a local talent as their next No.1.

“He is an option there as a fullback,” Brennan said of Brimson recently.

“AJ is a young guy, he has got a lot of potential … I do see him as a possibility of playing that No.1.

“He has done that in the past and he did that very well in the trials but we have got a handy No.1 there at the moment in Michael Gordon who kicks some goals, hopefully.

“And that will be good for AJ, having someone of Michael Gordon’s experience, it’s part of the reason I brought Flash in was to mentor these young guys over the next few years.”