AJ Brimson remembers Zae Wallace to be a loveable larrikin from New Zealand who just lived life to the fullest with his nearest and dearest around him.
It's why the former Titans young gun will never be forgotten each time the Gold Coast face off against the Warriors, fondly remembered with the Zae Wallace Shield - up for grabs again when the two combatants meet again at Cbus Super Stadium this Friday.
Match: Titans v Warriors
Round 23 -
home Team
Titans
13th Position
away Team
Warriors
3rd Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Playing 15 games in the National Youth Championship alongside the likes of Brimson, Phillip Sami and Moeaki Fotuaika, the 20-year-old tragically passed away in 2019 due to an infection after catching the flu... but the ultra-versatile utility left a massive mark despite only spending a short time in Australia.
"I met Zae when he came over from New Zealand into our 20s system and instantly we connected because our personalities were quite similar," Brimson reminisced.
"He's a funny fella and he was fresh to the Gold Coast and I hit him up to live with me as I had recently moved out and I thought he'd be one of the few people that I could actually live We ended up living together for a couple years there.
"He was always very positive. If he only had $100 left in his account, he'd want to spend the $100 going out with his mates hanging out. He was never fazed about money or anything, he just wanted a good time and he was pretty infectious around others as well.
"He ended up moving back to New Zealand as he was missing his family, so that left a massive hole in our house again.
"Obviously it was very sad what happened, but he was a legend of a fella... he was only little, but gee he was tough and I remember him to be very nippy.
"Whether he was playing half or hooker, he was always nippy, had good footwork and was very deceiving. People looked at him and thought... he's little, but he was very tough and very deceiving as well."
Proud to see his former teammate's legacy continue through the perpetual shield, the contest between the Gold Coast and New Zealand teams has always been a clash Brimson has looked forward to - especially with full intention of retaining the silverware after defeating the Warriors in a golden-point thriller the last time the two teams met in 2022.
"It's awesome and I've still got some photos on my Instagram of the last time we won the Zae Wallace Shield... it's always a special occasion," he said.
"I'm a bit bruised going into the clash but I'm going to do everything I can do make sure I play. It's a good occasion - not just for Zae but for his family as well."
Boyd pinches it in golden point
Expecting over 20,000 people to pack in at Cbus Super Stadium for the clash, the Titans No. 1 is keen for the electric atmosphere that always comes with the Kiwi fanbase, hoping to upset one of the competition heavyweights on Friday night.
"I definitely know it's going to be loud. I love playing in those games against the Warriors," Brimson said.
"Ever since 20s, they've been good games. They always get a good turnout from Warriors fans and I feel like there's always a bit of mutual respect for Warriors fans on the Gold Coast... they like both teams.
"I think it's going to be a good turnout. They're going well, so I'm looking forward to the game and the atmosphere."
