The biggest talking point for the Gold Coast Titans this pre-season is... who will make-up the spine in 2023?
The key recruits of experienced campaigners Kieran Foran and Sam Verrills has caused Justin Holbrook not just a healthy selection headache, but rather a migraine with the crop of talent he has to choose from.
With a majority of the discussion around the halves pairing, a position that has been overlooked is the custodian of the No. 1 jersey.
Jayden Campbell did an admirable job in 2022 and proved to be a handful for the opposition, but with the production line of halves coming through; could AJ Brimson resume his old role that he's played a majority of his Titans career at?
Titans.com.au has identified the three key players who could wear the fullback jersey this season.
AJ Brimson
Age: 24 | Appearances: 85
Adding a chink to his armour in 2022 by making the successful switch to five-eighth, Brimson is a perfect player to have in the Titans squad with his ability to play in the halves or at fullback.
The 24-year-old made his Origin debut in 2020 wearing the No. 1 jersey after setting the COVID-affected year alight since returning from a back injury - scoring seven tries and breaking 30 tackles in only nine games for the Titans. This stellar form line continued the following season at the back, again scoring seven tries and averaging 160 run metres per game.
His switch to a playmaking role in 2022 was just as successful as his previous two years; finishing the regular season in the NRL's top 10 for try assists and crossing the line on nine occasions, which gives Holbrook the option to return the Gold Coast junior to his former position or anoint him as the Titans' No. 6 in 2023.
Captain AJ sets Cbus Super Stadium alight
Jayden Campbell
Age: 22 | Appearances: 22
The son of a former Titans gun, Jayden Campbell is an excitement machine who is admired by fans and puts bums on seats each and every weekend... not to mention the extreme talent he continues to show week-in, week-out.
Bursting onto the scene in 2021 making his debut against the Melbourne Storm in Round 13, the young fullback played seven games in his rookie season and instantly impressed - scoring five tries and amassed a whopping 31 tackle breaks.
His good form continued in 2022 despite missing 10 games due to various injuries, most notably putting his name under lights in front of a full house at Magic Round with an inspiring performance against the Dragons - running 266 metres and making 13 tackle breaks.
The Helensvale Hornet finished in the top four in last season's Paul Broughton Medal count and is hoping to add to his 22 NRL appearances in 2023 with the No.1 on his back.
‘Now I understand the toll it can take’: Campbell learns valuable career lesson after first full season
Keano Kini*
Age: 18 | Appearances: 0
A future star in the making, Keano Kini is an impressive young back with plenty of talent, fancy footwork and the skills to dominate in the NRL.
At only 18 years of age, the New Zealand-born gun is on the Titans' development roster, so will be eligible to play in the NRL after Round 10 and is likely to cut his teeth in the QRL competitions while biding his time at Parkwood.
The Palm Beach Currumbin alumni received Queensland and Australian Schoolboys honours in 2022 and was a dynamo in the Allan Langer Trophy, earning him the Justin Hodges Medal as the competition's top player.
The Future Titans pathways product is at the club until at least the end of 2025 and is someone to keep a keen eye on as he develops.
Straight outta school: Kini ready for NRL challenge
*Development player - eligible to play after Round 10
