Queensland’s State of Origin high has been shattered by a serious foot injury to emerging fullback AJ Brimson after his debut in Wednesday’s victory.
The Gold Coast 22-year-old appeared to come out unscathed from the Maroons’ upset 18-14 victory in Adelaide, Brimson scoring a try and playing well in his first outing as the Maroons’ No.1.
But he will play no further part in the series and likely miss at least three months, spoiling his NRL pre-season, if surgery is required after scans on Thursday revealed a lisfranc ligament injury.
After consulting a specialist he will remain in camp along with Kurt Capewell, who is likely to recover from his groin tightness and be available to play in Sydney next Wednesday.
Brimson had surged into Origin contention after overcoming a serious neck injury to star in the final two months of the NRL season for the Titans.
Injuries have tormented Queensland’s campaign but they do have the luxury of calling on Valentine Holmes to replace Brimson next week, the North Queensland talent unavailable for Game I because of suspension.
“I was stoked to make my Origin debut and to get the win was an incredible feeling,” Brimson said.
“I’ve got great belief in the squad and we’re really well placed to go on and win the series.”
Aiden
Guest
Bring in Allen, not Holmes. Bring in the guy who has been going great, not the guy who has been unsure of himself and brittle all season.
Tony
Roar Guru
Might be a case of last man standing?
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
I think Capewell will stay at centre if fit and Su’A will start in the second row. Collins Arrow Hunt and maybe Moe Fotuaika on the bench. Allan to fullback and Holmes to wing. Sami and Hess to miss out.
Paul
Roar Guru
It will be interesting to see what one player's loss does to the Maroons. On paper they have a quality player to replace him but I guess we;'ll have a another few days to see how much Brimson will be missed
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
Very disappointed for the young man. He had sensational end of year form for the Titans and played an excellent SoO Game 1. Hopefully his recovery goes well. :thumbup:
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Shame about AJ Brimson, good player and seems like a good lad. Having said that. there's a (good) reason why Bennett picked Cory Allan in the team, that reason will become apparent shortly. Allan, replacing an injured Latrell Mitchell for the second half of the season for the Rabbitohs was outstanding, a lot of the Rabbitohs attack was flowing well and Allan was part of that success. Cometh the hour, cometh the man.
Sydneysideliner
Roar Rookie
Allan needs to find a different club if he wants to stay at 1 though. There's "the hammer" up at cowboys too, he's raw but could be a great player if he tightens a few things up.
Sydneysideliner
Roar Rookie
Forgot all about Allan. Yeah Benny will absolutely do that
Sydneysideliner
Roar Rookie
Thats a really tough one. Logically you'd slot Holmes straight in and not change anything else. I'd be tempted to play Munster there, get him running with the ball more, and see what Hunt can do at 5/8. Bring Grant in on the bench.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
I suppose Queensland have no chance of winning now. Just like Game 1.
Nico
Roar Rookie
Such a shame for Brimson, had an absolute blinder in Origin 1. For all the talk about Queensland's lack of depth we've now got Brimson, Allen, Ponga and Holmes vying for the fullback spot in 2021
The Barry
Roar Guru
Disappointing for Brimson Queensland has Holmes available so won’t lose much but I liked the way Brimson went about his work
johnno 2
Roar Rookie
Allan, fullback ,Brenko Lee , centre and Capewell second row. Collins , Arrow , Hunt [ i don't trust him but he was effective in the win ] Somebody else on the bench - Hess is permanently AWOL
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Didn't see that coming...
Flexis
Roar Rookie
Well he didn’t disappoint Wayne for the Rabbits. My money is on Allen
Flexis
Roar Rookie
Few training mishaps and a rough game 2 could certainly make a 27 man squad look slim for game 3 too.
Graham White
Guest
I imagine Allen at 1 and Holmes on the wing?
Phil
Roar Rookie
That's a big blow for QLD. He was one of their best and will be very hard to replace. Holmes will be considered but he is a winger who thinks of himself as a fullback, but the better option is Corey Allen who is a very good No1. Old Wayne, who knows a tad more than me about footy will make the right decision.
Tony
Roar Guru
I reckon there'll be a few more out by the time we get to game 3
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
That's so sad for the young fella. He was very good last night and has had his fair share of injuries so he didn't deserve that.