Titans lock down gun utility Brimson on monster contract

Gold Coast has locked down gun utility back AJ Brimson on a monster contract extension. The Titans on Thursday announced Brimson has agreed to stay on the glitter strip until the end of 2030. It's significant news that comes only a week after superstar backrower David Fifita agreed to a two-year extension, backflipping on a handshake deal with the Roosters. Last year Gold Coast skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui inked a 10-year deal with the club. Brimson joined the Gold Coast system as a 15-year-old. The 26-year-old has played 108 NRL games for the Titans as well as four Origins for Queensland. "The Titans mean quite a bit to me. It's been my home and my work for the last 10 years," Brimson said. "I love playing for this club and I love the Gold Coast. "I'm also excited for what the future holds. This new deal is good security for me and my family and I'm extremely excited for the next six years." Brimson is known for his speed, and can essentially play any position in the backline. There's been some dispute over his long-term place in the side as he and Jayden Campbell battle for the fullback spot. The Titans have won only two of 10 games this season under new coach Des Hasler.

Titans star made of 'Real origin stuff'

Titans fullback AJ Brimson played the final game of last year's State of Origin when superstar Reece Walsh was unavailable - and he is making it impossible for the Maroons to leave him out as this season's series approaches. Walsh will be the first man picked at fullback, but Brimson, who led the Titans to their fighting 27- 24 upset over the Warriors on ANZAC Day, is the ideal number 14. Brimson brings x-factor and strike power from the bench and can play virtually anywhere in the backline. After playing at centre and five-eighth already this season, he moved to fullback to replace the injured Jayden Campbell last Thursday and played superbly. As well as scoring two tries, Brimson saved two more and ran for 183 metres - real Origin stuff.

'Awkward' situation unearthed in 'awful' performance

Des Hasler faces one of the most awkward decisions of his long coaching career this week following the Titans' 30-14 capitulation to the Dolphins on Saturday night. The Titans got off to a dream start, leading 10-0 after 13 minutes, before falling to pieces and conceding 30 straight points. Gold Coast's attack was awful - and halves Tanah Boyd and Kieran Foran have to take much of the blame for that. They produced little creativity with the ball and missed 12 tackles between them as the Dolphins charged home to what turned out to be an easy win. Hasler needs to change his halves - and get AJ Brimson, a talented speedster who is wasted in the centres, closer to the ball. That means Hasler may have to drop his long-time ally Foran, who at 33 years of age is still a talented player - but his best days are behind him. An easier option may be relegating Boyd, who is struggling at number seven and could join the growing list of halfbacks to get the chop in the early rounds.

Titans Return To Final Hunt

Don't rule out the Titans for a late run to the finals now they have some key players back from injury.The return of fullback AJ Brimson and hooker Sam Verrills has transformed the Titans and they produced one of their best efforts of the season to dispose of the Tigers 28-12 on Thursday night.Coach Justin Holbrook has sorely missed the duo and they gave the Titans a more polished look.Brimson scored the game's opening try and Verrills was always a threat at dummy-half.The Titans have plenty of attacking threats and some big boppers up front, led by Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who rattled the Tigers with some big hits.