Why Kini’s emergence could force an unwanted Brimson conversation for Hasler

The Gold Coast have unearthed another young star in fullback Keano Kini, with the 20-year-old starring in his side’s stunning 46-18 win over the Brisbane Broncos.

Kini had been rotating fullback duties with AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell but with the duo succumbing to long-term injuries at different stages of the season, coach Des Hasler has put all his faith in the rising star.

The Kiwi native has repaid the faith of Hasler and all but locked down the No.1 jersey for the foreseeable future, leaving any suggestions of a return to fullback for Brimson out of the question.

With Campbell viewed as the five-eighth of the future, SEN’s Corey Parker suggested Brimson may be reduced to a role in the centres or at worst, as the team’s No.14 off the bench.

“In my opinion, I love AJ (but) he does not go back into fullback, Keano Kini is an out-and-out superstar,” Parker said on SENQ Mornings.

“He’s got x-factor that oozes all over him but he’s also got a work rate that is extremely high.

“AJ has got x-factor but his work rate is not as high as Kini… Campbell’s the six.

“I think he’s (Brimson) going to probably have to slot into centre, which is a really unfortunate conversation.

“It’s a conversation that’s going to have to be had, Phillip Sami and Brian Kelly went terrific on the weekend, Jojo Fifita on the wing was their best player, Khan-Pereira has been the greatest try scorer that the game has ever seen.

“I think AJ will just be happy to come back and slot in wherever he is best needed, he doesn’t get the opportunity to just pick and choose at this point.

“Not after we’ve seen Kini, five of the last six games they’ve won, a lot of that’s got to do with what Kini has been able to provide at fullback.”

Brimson has appeared in ten games for the Titans this year, playing at centre and full back four times respectively.