The last time AJ Brimson played five-eighth for the Titans no one had even heard of COVID-19, Luke Burt and Craig Hodges were at the helm and the wooden spoon was on its way to Robina after a dismal 4-20 season.
The year was 2019 and Brimson slotted in alongside Tanah Boyd in the halves as the Titans were beaten 24-16 by the Dragons in their last match. In just his second season in the top grade, Brimson's head must have spinning as he floated between fullback, halfback, five-eighth and the bench.
Come 2020 and the arrival of Justin Holbrook brought stability and success as Brimson made a home in the No.1 jersey and earned a State of Origin debut for the Maroons.
After 27 consecutive games at fullback, the 23-year-old embarks on a new career as a full-time five-eighth on Saturday against the Warriors and he can't wait to link with young gun Toby Sexton to steer the ship.
Titans v Warriors
"I've been training for five months at five-eighth and that's my focus," Brimson said.
"Making the move to five-eighth is not something I’ve thought about because I'm a half now and I'm ready to go."
Brimson had hoped to launch his campaign against the Eels in round one but a slight groin niggle ruled him out, with Will Smith doing a fine job in his absence.
"It was just a bit of lower abdominal pain connected to that groin last week and I didn't want to to let anyone down so I decided not to play," Brimson said.
"I had the best pre-season of my career and then picked up a bit of a niggle a couple of weeks before round one so that was frustrating.
Great hands leads to Kelly's first
"It was nothing serious, just more of a pain barrier thing."
The clash with the Warriors pits Brimson against former team-mate Ash Taylor, who joined Nathan Brown's team on a train and trial deal in October and impressed enough to score himself a contract for 2022.
Taylor was also a spectator in round one but an injury to Shaun Johnson has opened the door for the 27-year-old to stake a claim for a regular berth in the top 17.
"Ash is a good fella, a good mate of mine, I'm glad to see him getting an opportunity," Brimson said.
"There might be a little less pressure on him at the Warriors and we'll get to see his best footy."
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