Bulldogs monitor Aj Brimson as fullback option

aj brimson has surfaced as a Bulldogs target, with Canterbury monitoring his situation at the Gold Coast Titans and looking at him as a possible fullback. He is under contract until the end of 2030, and any move would have to navigate the Titans’ control of the deal.

Bulldogs’ Brimson interest

James Hooper said on the Rugby League Insider podcast on Wednesday: "I’ve heard they’re monitoring the situation with AJ Brimson and I think they’re looking at him as a fullback". He added: "My understanding is AJ probably has a preference to wear the No.1 jumper and that’s not going to happen at the Titans. He hasn’t really found his best position."

Brimson is 27 and has been used at centre because Keano Kini is the Titans’ fullback. The Queensland representative has played four State of Origin games at fullback, which is why Canterbury’s interest is focused on him as a No.1 rather than as another centre option.

Titans contract pressure

The Titans are paying him $850,000 per season to play centre, and the size of that deal runs through 2030. That leaves Gold Coast holding the leverage unless it grants permission for him to negotiate with rival clubs.

Hooper said: "For anything to happen the Gold Coast would need to give him permission to negotiate with rival clubs." That detail puts the next step squarely back on the Titans, not Canterbury.

Gould and Ciraldo’s roster push

Hooper also said, "It lends itself to the fact the Dogs clearly aren’t happy with their key position players" and, "That’s on Gus and coach Cameron Ciraldo because it hasn’t worked." He added: "If I’m a Bulldogs fan the possibility of bringing in AJ Brimson gets me up and about."

Canterbury had appeared keen on Jahream Bula before he extended with the Wests Tigers, and the club recently re-signed Connor Tracey for two more years. Hooper said things have gone cold on the Bulldogs’ interest in Sam Verrills, leaving Brimson as the clearest active fullback target in the facts at hand.