Huge cost of England switch explained as NRL star AJ Brimson shares Ashes desire 

NRL star AJ Brimson made himself eligible for England with his Ashes ambitions laid out and the reality of sacrificing Origin also revealed.

Brimson successfully applied to alter his international eligibility for England, who he qualifies to represent through his mother Vanessa, but the moment he takes to the field for Shaun Wane’s side, he will sacrifice a lot.

Not only would he be unable to ever represent Queensland again in State of Origin, he’d also be sacrificing the $30,000-per-game pay cheque that comes when representing your state.

Brimson hasn’t been selected so far in 2025 but he has previously made four Origin appearances, but he’d wave goodbye to any future ones should he don the England jersey – something he’s revealed he’s intent on doing.

“I always thought it would be great if I could get the chance to represent both sides of the family because I am very proud of my English heritage as well,” Brimson said to NRL.com.

“I am 27 this year; I am getting on. I just thought I would try to follow my mum’s side. It is something I’ve wanted to do for a while, play for England, so I will be putting my hand up to try to play for them this year and going forward.”

NRL star ‘couldn’t pass up’ Ashes opportunity and England switch

Speaking on the fact that he would effectively be giving up Origin should he play for England, Brimson explained that he’s made his mind up and is committed to playing for England.

“I am obviously a very proud Queenslander,” he explained, adding: “I grew up in Brisbane and my dream was to play Origin, but I also grew up with a mum and family from England.

“Obviously, you’d always love to be part of Origin, but this is the decision I have made and I have made it for my reasons.

“It would be cool for my son (Beckham) to see me play for England. I want him to know his heritage as well.

“It’s always hard when you say you can’t be eligible for Origin being a Queenslander, but the opportunity to play for England is something I couldn’t pass up.”

With Jack Welsby out injured at the moment and facing a race to regain fitness and march sharpness for the Ashes, Brimson could find himself among the top contenders to fill in at full-back when England host Australia.

On the prospect of playing in the Ashes, Brimson said it “would be insane to be a part of”, explaining how he’d love his English family to watch him play.

He stated: “When I put my hand up to play, (I want to play) as well as a I can to try and get picked to play any position that the coach wants me.

“I want to make my England debut and the World Cup is something that is on the cards as well.”