Five-eighth AJ Brimson has only three sleeps to go until his much-anticipated NRL debut but if the early indications from around the TFH High Performance Centre are anything to go by, he'll be 'bouncing off the walls' come game day.
The 19-year-old has performed admirably playing at fullback for the Tweed Seagulls in the Intrust Super Cup but has gone between both positions growing up, with Coach Garth Brennan excited about his potential.
"He's a strong defender, quite solid in his build. And he's a runner, there's no doubt about that," Brennan said.
"When you talk about a half who can defend run the ball, it's exciting.
Centre Dale Copley has trained alongside him all pre-season and believes the Centenary Panthers junior shouldn't miss a beat out there.
"He's been excited," Copley said. "It' always good seeing a kid get his opportunity.
"I've been impressed with him since he joined the main squad in November and everyone here has been thinking, when he would make his debut, not if.
And on the prospect of taking on Melbourne in his first hit-out?
"It doesn't get much harder than a debut against Melbourne but I think it's good to get thrown into the deep end but I think he'll go well.
"He's a tough kid and has all the attributes of a footballer.
"I haven't seen any nerves from him. He's been bouncing off the walls in there and he's ready to go."
