Queensland great Darren Lockyer has proposed a bold new role for AJ Brimson, suggesting the Titans star could make a full-time switch to hooker from 2026.
With veteran playmaker Kieran Foran retiring and the club facing a logjam of talent in the spine, Lockyer believes the dynamic Brimson might be best suited in the No.9 jersey moving forward.
“Too good to not be in the team”
Speaking on Wide World of Sports' QLDER, Lockyer floated a reshuffle that would see Keano Kini take over at fullback and Jayden Campbell or Tom Weaver line up at halfback. That leaves Brimson, who’s played most of his NRL career at fullback and five-eighth, potentially transitioning to the middle of the field.
“Kieran Foran retires, and it's always been trying to fit five into four,” Lockyer said. “I would put Keano Kini at fullback, and I would put Jayden Campbell in the seven – or Tom Weaver – and put Brimson into nine. I still think Brimson could be really dynamic at hooker.
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“Brimson can do like a Billy Walters [role], but he's too good to not be in the team.”
It’s a significant suggestion, particularly as Brimson is contracted until the end of 2030. While the Titans already have Sam Verrills and Chris Randall signed for next season, the former Maroon’s versatility could offer Des Hasler – or whoever replaces him in 2026 – an intriguing option as the club attempts to balance its overloaded spine.
The Titans are expected to make only minor tweaks to their top-30 roster, with plenty of young talent emerging behind the scenes.