Titans coach Des Hasler has a very healthy selection headache ahead of him following an impressive few weeks from his department of youth.
Relieved to have experienced star AJ Brimson returning from a groin injury in Round 18 against the Sharks, his loss has somewhat been nullified by the rise of wonderful whiz kid Keano Kini, who has truly made his mark in the No. 1 jersey since Round 10.
His past six weeks at fullback included a record-breaking 318 running metres against the Tigers, whilst never looking out of place with a two-try haul in his latest showing against the Warriors.
Round 16 highlights: Titans v Warriors
With only 14 NRL appearances to his name, Kini’s recent performances have proven to fans he has the X-factor required to be the club's long-term fullback, and with Jayden Campbell's rise in the halves which saw the son of a gun smash several records in the club's historic 66-6 win over the Warriors, Brimson's full fitness has posed a number of tough selection headaches for Hasler.
"It's a good headache to have. It's an old cliche but we'll wait and see... it gives us some options," he said about having Brimson, Campbell and Kini all fit and available.
The Gold Coast mentor's decision may be delayed a week with Campbell sustaining a metacarpal fracture in the Round 16 clash, expecting to sideline him for the upcoming clash against the Sharks. That would all but see Brimson likely return to the five-eighth role and Kini retain the No. 1 jersey.
Match: Sharks v Titans
Round 18 -
home Team
Sharks
3rd Position
away Team
Titans
15th Position
Venue: C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Coffs Harbour
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
However, once the trio all find themselves fit and available for selection, Hasler will once again be tasked with finding a winning combination for the three superstars.
Rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns spoke on the selection headache Hasler has ahead of him, suspecting Brimson may find it challenging to earn his spot back in the starting side after a string on standout games by Kini.
"He (Brimson) can’t come straight back in... he’s just got to come back in the No. 14 jersey," Johns said on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
"The young fullback was one of the best on the field... geez he is a good player.
You can’t leave Jayden Campbell out and (Kini) was unbelievable.
"There’s a team building there, a real good team. They are such a good team to watch."
After a dominant performance on the weekend that saw the Titans complete 36 of their 41 sets, the squad will be making use of the bye round to work on retaining a high completion rate, as well as maintaining the fitness of their squad with finals still not out of the question.
