AJ Brimson knows that come Origin time he will be in a race with Kalyn Ponga for the Queensland #1 jersey.
The two superstar fullbacks are both contenders at the back for the Maroons, with both building their form as the 2021 season progresses.
Brimson has had a solid start to the season, featuring in every game for the Titans, returning to his attacking best in recent weeks after missing the pre-season with injury.
Ponga missed the first four rounds but has since managed four tries, four assists and four line breaks.
As the incumbent from the 2019 series, Ponga’s injury last season allowed Brimson to get his opportunity, with the Titans fullback starring in Game One for Queensland.
It was in that game that he picked up a foot injury, the cruelled his pre-season.
Brimson knows that there will be comparisons between the two, especially as Origin approaches but he says both are good mates and are embracing the competition.
“It’s a good, healthy rivalry,” Brimson said.
“We’re good mates so it’s good to have that sort of fun on the field.
“We have that competitiveness but then you can also have a laugh about it as well.”
Brimson said while he was concentrating on club football, he couldn’t deny keeping an eye on his Origin competition.
“Obviously you’re still watching them,” he said.
“You look to see players like Kalyn Ponga, Ben Hunt and even Valentine Holmes and that.
“They’re all playing good footy so you can’t obviously not think about it at all.
“But in terms of my focus, its at the Titans.”
“My goal this year is play finals footy, so all my focus is on that.”
Brimson has a prime opportunity to impress selectors, with Ponga again missing from the Knights lineup through injury.
While hoping they'll receive the call-up as fullback, there's no doubt that the close mates will be hoping that the other is also included in the squad when the Queensland team is named for the start of the 2021 series.
