As the world of rugby league gears up for the upcoming World Cup, one player's position change has caught the attention of England's head coach, Brian McDermott. In a recent Q&A, McDermott hinted at his plans for squad selection, revealing a process of assembling a large pool of players and maintaining regular contact with them throughout the year. This is where AJ Brimson, the NRL star and assistant coach at the Gold Coast Titans, comes into the picture.
Brimson's versatility has been a key factor in his selection for England, with his ability to play across the backline or even in the halves. However, his recent shift to centre for the Titans has sparked a strategic dilemma for McDermott. Will Brimson continue to play centre for England, or will he revert to his original position as full-back?
From my perspective, this position change adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the England squad. Brimson's mentality, as expressed in his interview, aligns perfectly with McDermott's vision. If he excels in the centre role, it's highly likely that he'll secure his place in the second centre spot, potentially alongside Herbie Farnworth.
The implications of Brimson's position change extend beyond his own role. With Brimson potentially occupying the centre position, the full-back role becomes a crucial consideration. Jack Welsby, who previously held the full-back position, may need to prove himself once again, especially with the emergence of Tristan Sailor at St Helens. Super League centres like Ash Handley and Jake Wardle will also be vying for attention, with Handley in exceptional form this year and Wardle consistently standing out.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for McDermott to draw from a diverse pool of talent. With players like Umyla Hanley, who made the Dream Team centre in 2025, and Billy Smith, another NRL player with English eligibility, the options are abundant. McDermott's close association with Brimson, due to their shared club affiliation, could give the NRL star an edge in understanding the England set-up.
In conclusion, Brimson's position change has opened up a strategic puzzle for McDermott. The head coach now has the challenging yet exciting task of deciding where Brimson fits best within the England squad. With a wealth of talent to choose from, McDermott's decisions will shape the team's performance and potentially determine their success in the upcoming World Cup. It's a fascinating insight into the strategic mind of a coach and the intricate dynamics of team selection.
