He may have played in a new position for a majority of this season, but that didn't stop AJ Brimson continuing his good form for the Gold Coast Titans.
Revealed as one of the four finalists in the Paul Broughton Medal tally count for 2022, the five-eighth's final five games of the season were an absolute masterclass, putting him in red hot contention for the Coast's top gong.
Will Brimson's scintillating finish see him claim his first player of the year honours?
See below for Titans.com.au's review of the playmaker's season.
By the numbers
| Games: | 22 |
| Tries: | 9 |
| Try assists: | 15 |
| Tackle breaks: | 75 |
| Line breaks: | 13 |
| Most metres in a game: | 250 (R18) |
| Avg. running metres: | 117 |
| Avg. tackles per game: | 15 |
| Tackle efficiency: | 87% |
The standout stat
15 try assists
At the end of the regular season, the Gold Coast five-eighth was in the NRL's top 10 for try assists in his first full season with the playmaking duties. Starring in four games with two or more involvements in setting up four-pointers, Brimson's skilful last pass - especially setting up Beau Fermor on a number of occasions - as well as his deft kicking became a feature of the 24-year-old's elusive game across the season.
Only playing 15 games in the halves with the remaining seven at fullback, Brimson averaged a try assist a game every time he donned the No. 6 jersey.
Grate(est) Tries of 2022: Brimson's break sets up Fermor
Best game
Round 22 v Sea Eagles
With captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui a late withdrawal due to the birth of his second child, the Titans needed someone to stand up in his absence and the stand-in skipper happily answered the calling, indisputably picking up the three Paul Broughton Medal points on offer.
Coming up with a try, try assist, two line breaks, eight tackle breaks and 153 running metres, it was Brimson's leadership qualities that proved most valuable.
Leading 20-12 at half-time, it was a second half masterclass from Brimson putting the foot down, helping pile on another 24 points in the final 40 minutes to break a 10-game losing streak and set up a successful backend of the season.
Honourable mention: Round 24 v Knights
Match Highlights: Titans v Sea Eagles
The 2022 Paul Broughton Medal will be announced on Thursday night.
