Where NRL star AJ Brimson could fit in for England with Shaun Wane facing key call

NRL and Gold Coast halfback AJ Brimson is the latest player to switch their nationality to represent England but where would he fit in a potential international line-up?

Whilst any new player in the England set-up is exciting, Brimson’s NRL experience of over 120 games is something that Shaun Wane will be fully aware of.

However, the main debate will be where he would fit in a pretty settled England spine.

Brimson has played all of the 2025 season for Gold Coast Titans at stand-off but in 2024, he played at centre and fullback also.

That kind of versatility can often be a curse as the England coach does prefer to pick players settled in key positions, but it would offer Shaun Wane an extra boost in attack.

However, competition for spots in the Ashes squad and then the 2026 Rugby League World Cup will never go amiss.

Which position would be AJ Brimson’s best spot and who will the NRL man have to compete with for an England shirt?

Fullback

Arguably, it’s a slim chance that Brimson would be England’s starting fullback but it’s probably the position with the least amount of competition. Jack Welsby has been Shaun Wane’s number one since his breakthrough but with Will Pryce’s return to Super League and Max Jowitt’s influence on his Wakefield Trinity side, it puts some pressure on Welsby. Brimson spent the entire 2023 season at fullback for the Titans before moving into the halves so could definitely be a worthy replacement for Welsby.

Potential England fullbacks: Will Pryce (Hull FC), Jack Welsby (St Helens), Max Jowitt (Wakefield Trinity)

Centre

Brimson’s chances at centre are slim to none when you look at his competition. Based on current form, it’s likely that Wane will select Herbie Farnworth and Jake Wardle. There are also plenty of other options with Oliver Gildart, Harry Newman, Toby King and Mark Percival to name but a few who, with some consistent performances, could be on the brink of a place in the squad. However, Brimson’s ability to cover at centre could put him above other backs.

Potential England centres: Oliver Gildart (Hull KR), Jake Wardle (Wigan Warriors), Umyla Hanley (Leigh Leopards), Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos), Ash Handley (Leeds Rhinos), Zak Hardaker (Hull FC), Mark Percival (St Helens), Toby King (Warrington Wolves), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins)

Halfback

Brimson has played all of 2025 in the six shirt for Gold Coast in the NRL but again, Wane is consistent in picking captain George Williams from Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors’ Harry Smith as his halfback combination. However, Mikey Lewis has continued his excellent form from last season in 2025, and Leeds Rhinos’ Jake Connor looks to finally be performing consistently under head coach Brad Arthur. Even with his NRL experience, Brimson would struggle to keep any of the quartet out.

Potential England halfbacks: Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Jake Connor (Leeds Rhinos), George Williams (Warrington Wolves), Marc Sneyd (Warrington Wolves),