AJ Brimson has quickly extinguished media reports suggesting there is friction among the Gold Coast fullback ranks, but has left the door ajar for a position switch in 2024.
Putting to bed the rumoured rift with his Titans teammate Jayden Campbell, using his typical cheekiness and sarcasm to defuse the situation on social media at the weekend, the 24-year-old doubled down the way he knows best in front of cameras on Tuesday when asked how the pair's relationship is.
"It's pretty awkward at the moment... we don't talk too much out here," Brimson joked.
"There's just kind of death stares.
"We've both put our hand up to play on the wing so Keano (Kini) can play fullback anyway, so I think it'll work itself out."
Jovially conceding he is the club's third-choice fullback behind Campbell and Kini whilst hamming it up on Tuesday, the true elephant in the room is where the 25-year-old will play in 2024.
Staunchly declaring the Titans No. 1 is his favourite position much like his two fellow understudies; a switch to the outside backs could be on the cards, especially after the 99-gamer dabbled in the centres at the backend of last season - including in the Titans' final game of the year against the Bulldogs.
"Fullback is my favourite spot, but Des is the big dog and Des will pick the team," Brimson said.
"At the end of the day, whatever team he wants, I think he's going to pick to give us the best chance to win the comp.
"I'll have to kind of learn [to play centre] this pre-season (if picked there), but I am open to doing that... we'll see what happens.
"At the moment, I'm open to everything and am being optimistic.
"I love playing for the Titans and living on the Gold Coast, so I'm happy to play anywhere... I just want to play finals footy."
‘Des will pick the best team to win the comp’: Brimson
The depth of fullbacks could also lead to Brimson's return to the halves after playing 35 games as a playmaker across his career on the Gold Coast, most notably in 2022 with a his strong season at five-eighth.
But the versatile back also doesn't want to unseat veteran linchpin Kieran Foran who was one of the club's best with his grittiness and finesse upon making the move from Sydney.
"I did have my best year stats wise with tries and try assists then,” Brimson said when asked if he would consider playing in the halves.
"We’ll see how Foz pulls up... he’s older than me, so we’ll see how he goes.
"Hopefully Foz can have another year with a big stint on the park."
The Titans coach himself gave nothing away when quizzed who will play in what position in 2024, keeping who will wear the coveted No. 1 jersey a mystery, but Hasler did credit his squad for their ability to play a number of positions like Brimson.
"I have a good two or three months to look over the squad and I think one thing in particular is there is certainly a lot of hybrid players in the club," he said.
"By that, I mean they can play a number of positions and are versatile."
