Fullback AJ Brimson will wear the pink Titans playing kit with pride this Friday night as he shows his appreciation for his mum, Vanessa, who has done so much for him on his journey to the NRL.
The Runaway Bay junior has been in the Titans system since he was 16, but it’s his mum that helped pave the path to the NRL, driving him to training and supporting him at games, like she still does in the stands at Cbus Super Stadium.
“It’s good to appreciate the women in our life and the women in rugby league, whether it be your mum who supports you, or the new generation who are starting their rugby league journey,” Brimson said.
“All the early morning drop-offs and late pick-ups on game day, even telling me that I had a good game even though I didn’t play that well. There are a lot of mums out there that are a big part of careers, and it’s good to chuck this jersey on for them.”
Vanessa Brimson attends all of the matches at Cbus Super Stadium and even travels to away games when she can, never missing a moment of her son’s career in the top grade.
“I’m very proud (of him),” she said. “Even from when he was a little boy, we were proud of all his achievements. But now it’s still all a bit surreal.
“It’s lovely to watch and see him so happy.”
Titans v Eels
Brimson has risen to the top as part of the Titans NRL squad and after 32 games in the top flight, Vanessa still watches with some nerves.
“Yes, I still have the same feeling,” she said.
“My eyes just don’t leave him when he’s on the field. I don’t talk during the match.
“I just watch and focus on AJ. I get great enjoyment from it.”
AJ added: “She’s a nervous watcher.
“I’m not even sure if she watches. She just focuses on me and follows me around the field.
“She tapes the games as well and watches it back over as well to see if she’s missed anything.”
