England’s most recent debutant, AJ Brimson, featured at full-back in the second Test of the Rugby League Ashes, however there has been plenty of debate as to whether that is the 27-year-old’s best position.
Brimson, who filled in for Jack Welsby on at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, is a name constantly in the mouths of the Australian media, and this week is no different.
First, they questioned why he wasn’t chosen in the first Test, with Shaun Wane choosing to go with Welsby, George Williams and Mikey Lewis as his 1, 6 and 7.
Now that he has been chosen, the talk has switched to why he was selected at full-back and not in the halves.
Brimson’s versatility has been on show throughout his NRL career, with the Gold Coast Titans man being unable to hold down one role and has been switched from full-back to centre to stand-off in 2025.
AJ Brimson’s best position revealed as NRL boss praises England playmaker
His coach at club level, Josh Hannay, has now weighed in on the matter, revealing what position he believes is Brimson’s best.
Hannay, who replaces Des Hasler as Titans coach in 2026, will be looking to allow the England international to use his creative playmaker in one position.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, the Gold Coast boss revealed: “I see his best position as six, I really believe in AJ as a five-eighth.”
“AJ is still relatively young and I feel his best football is in front of him.
“His versatility has been detrimental to his development over the year. He has bounced from one to six to four.”
Praising Brimson, Hannay added: “He is a really gifted footballer, but his inconsistency is tied to the fact that he hasn’t been able to play a consistent position.
“Given the opportunity to nail down one position, you will see a consistent season from AJ.
“He probably had his best season last season and I want to bring out more in him.”
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