As a local junior, AJ Brimson says he is honoured to captain the club that represents his hometown.
The Titans five-eighth takes on the leadership role for tomorrow's game against the Cowboys, with regular captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui missing through Origin duty.
Brimson, who made his NRL debut at the Titans and has played 74 games for the Gold Coast, says he was thrilled when Justin Holbrook told him he would be taking on the role.
"I'm pretty excited to be honest, it's something I'm looking forward to and it is a pretty big honour," Brimson said.
"When I look back on my career I think it will be a pretty cool moment and especially being at the Titans my whole life it makes me excited to run out tomorrow."
Brimson jokes that his regular skipper hasn't been overly helpful when it comes to advice.
"Tino has just brushed me this week," he laughed.
"I asked him for advice and he left me unseen.
"No but seriously he just said just back yourself.
"He's a good leader and we're going to miss him this week."
'It's a big honour' - Brimson
Despite carrying the 'c' beside his name, Brimson says his team-mates shouldn't expect a different AJ to appear.
"I said to the boys this morning, not much is going to change (with me), I'm just stepping in for Tino.
"I'm not going to do any massive 20 minute spiels before the game, I'm pretty chatty already on the field so I'll just stick to that."
The 23-year-old, who has committed to the Titans long-term, says he realises the enormity of the role at such a young age.
"I still feel pretty young and it is early in my career, I look around and there are more experienced players than me so it is a pretty cool opportunity for me," he said.
"It's good respect for how he (Holbrook) views me as a person and a player so yeah it's exciting."
