The man with a broken back is the man to solve Queensland's broken State of Origin backline.
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Gold Coast flyer AJ Brimson has declared he's ready to make his Maroons debut in November's Origin series after ending his NRL campaign on a high with a dazzling two-try display against Newcastle on Friday.
Brimson lit up CBUS Super Stadium with a thrilling 95-metre try in the second-half of the Titans' 36-6 mauling of the Knights.
He then showed dazzling footwork to step his way past four Knights' defenders on his way to a marvellous individual try just moments later.
Watching from the stands was Queensland coach Kevin Walters, who later told Brimson to cancel any November holiday plans as he'll "be busy" during a post-match interview on Fox Sports.
It's a remarkable comeback for Brimson, who feared his 2020 campaign was over before it had even begun when a stress fracture developed into a full fracture of one of his vertebrae in May.
Following his man-of-the-match display on Friday, Brimson revealed the vertebra in question was yet to completely knit, but he had no qualms about testing himself in the cauldron of Origin football.
"You have to think you're ready," Brimson said.
"I believe in myself and I believe I've been trying to put my hand up ... there's a lot of talented Queensland players out there and if I'm there I'll be stoked."
Brimson's rise will be especially welcome for Walters, with North Queensland duo Kyle Feldt (groin) and Michael Morgan (shoulder) as well as Wests Tigers captain Moses Mbye (knee) all ruled out of this year's Origin series.
Valentine Holmes is facing a ban for game one after being cited for a shoulder charge in the Cowboys win over Brisbane on Thursday.
A versatile player who has played fullback, five-eighth and halfback in his NRL career, Brimson says he'll happily play wherever he's needed if it earns him an Origin debut.
"I've never played wing in my life but I mean, I'll play lock if he wants me to," the Brisbane-born star said.
"Any chance to represent your state.
"I'm a proud Queenslander and, yeah, if he wanted me to play bench, wing, second row, whatever - I'll put my hand up."
Australian Associated Press
