AJ Brimson has shared his desire to once again wear maroon with the NRL confirming he can return to the Origin arena under the eligibility changes announced on Monday.
Having already represented Queensland on four occasions, the 27-year-old's childhood dream was put on hold with his decision to honour his mother's side and pledge his allegiance to England.
But that's all about to change with the decision to modernise the criteria and allow players to be eligible for Origin with existing rules, regardless of the nation they represent in international fixtures.
"It's pretty crazy news. It's the talk of the group and I'm sure at every club, everyone has been discussing who is eligible and who's not," Brimson said, reacting to the announcement.
"It's not something I expected [this year], but it's something that I thought may happen one day... definitely not this soon though. I was definitely shocked and didn't know it was in the chats. I didn't even know it was an option they were considering this soon."
With the change, Brimson has been quickly thrusted back in the conversation for Billy Slater to consider ahead of the 2026 series, especially with the new extended six-man bench for the series.
Given his versatility to play anywhere in the backline, the Titans star is eager for a recall but wants his full focus to be on club football initially.
"I'm definitely available. I was pretty public about [how much I love Queensland], even on social media during last year's series," Brimson said.
"I've always loved Queensland. I grew up supporting the Maroons and cried when we'd lose, which luckily wasn't often.
"Getting to play for the Maroons was a dream come true, but it was a great opportunity to represent my mum's side of the family in England and is something I didn't regret, knowing not being eligible for Origin was a decision I had to live with.
"I obviously do want to play [Origin] again if chosen, but I've got to get my body and game right for Titans first."
Match: Storm v Titans
Round 3 -
home Team
Storm
13th Position
away Team
Titans
7th Position
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
The reigning Paul Broughton Medallist will line-up in the halves alongside Jayden Campbell for this Saturday's major trial against the Storm - Brimson excited by his move back to five-eighth after playing a number of different roles the past two seasons.
"I enjoy six and grew up playing six than fullback. It's something I'm pretty comfortable with but something I'm still working on," he said.
"I'm looking forward to having a hit-out. I thought the boys played well last week.
"I just want to repay Josh and try and own that position. We have a lot of quality depth in the halves and it's not going to be easy, so it's something I don't take lightly."
