UNLEASHED

Titans livewire fullback Brimson given licence to thrill

GOLD Coast coach Justin Holbrook has handed AJ Brimson a licence to thrill after outplaying star Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga.

It comes as the Titans livewire faces another superstar fullback showdown, with Tom Trbojevic slated to make his return from a hamstring injury for the Gold Coast’s clash against Manly in Mudgee on Saturday.

Brimson showcased his dynamic skills during the Titans’ 42-16 win over Newcastle, running for 214m, making three tackle breaks and a superb try assist for Patrick Herbert to score in the 61st minute.

Ponga by comparison ran for 139m with an error and three missed tackles in his first game back from a shoulder injury in the NRL.

Holbrook said he was pleased with Brimson’s performance but challenged him to get even better over the coming rounds.

“I love AJ,” Holbrook said. “He’s got to keep getting better for us as well.

“I thought he got more involved today which was great and I need him to continue to do that over the next few weeks.

“He’s getting his combinations well with everybody.

“I’m happy that we’re going to get better which is good.”

The Titans have developed an entertaining style of football, headlined by the likes of

Brimson and million-dollar man David Fifita – who scored his first career hat-trick on the weekend.

Holbrook said he had given his blessing for his players to play an exciting brand of footy but admitted it was yet to be tested against a top-four powerhouse team.

“Penrith play a pretty good style and they’re going all right,” he said. “I’m not putting us in their class but they showed (on Friday) night that you can go out and still play some footy.

“For us, it’s getting the right balance and we’re going to work towards that.

“I’m happy with what we did (on Saturday).

“Everyone is a threat out there and that’s good.”