Beckham will be proud: why Brimson switched for England
Joel Gould |
It was a “big decision” for AJ Brimson to give up playing for Queensland to make himself available for England but it is one he wants his young son Beckham to understand and relish.
For the first time the Gold Coast star has explained his decision in detail after representing the Maroons with distinction on four occasions.
The 26-year-old was on fire in the Titans’ 28-8 win over Manly on Friday night in an elite display, the kind of performance that led to an Origin debut in 2020 at No.1 in a famous 18-14 win in Adelaide.
This year Brimson, whose mother Vanessa is English, had his request to switch his international allegiance from Australia to England approved by the International Rugby League (IRL), ruling him out of future Origin appearances.
“I am obviously a very proud Queenslander. I grew up in Brisbane and my dream was to play Origin but I also grew up with a mum and family from England,” Brimson said.
“I always thought it would be great if I could get the chance to represent both sides of the family because I am very proud of my English heritage as well. I am 27 (in September) … I am getting on.
“It is something I’ve wanted to do for a while, play for England, so I will be putting my hand up to try to play for them this year and going forward.”
Brimson went on family holidays as a child to Plymouth and south London, getting to understand his roots.
Brimson and partner Brooklen want their young son to also understand.
“My son is called Beckham so he has got a bit of English heritage as well,” Brimson said.
“It would be cool for my son to see me play for England. I want him to know his heritage as well.
“It’s always hard when you say you can’t be eligible for Origin being a Queenslander but the opportunity to play for England is something I couldn’t pass up.”
Sydney Roosters forward Victor Radley also switched allegiances to England, ruling him out of eligibility for NSW, for similar reasons to Brimson and it is a decision the Titans whiz respects.
“It’s a big decision to make. You don’t take it lightly,” Brimson said.
“Origin is something that is very important to me.
“I have got all my kit and have got my kid dressed in Queensland gear on Origin (night).
“Nothing is taking away my passion for Queensland but when you have got parents from different countries, you’ve got two heritages. It was good to see Victor did that.”
A massive carrot dangles before Brimson if he can keep up the electrifying form he displayed against Manly with an Ashes tour at the end of this year and a World Cup in 2026.
“(The Ashes) would be insane to be a part of, especially over there. I have family over there that would love to see me play,” Brimson said.
“I will try and get picked and I will play any position that the coach wants me. I want to make my England debut and the World Cup is something that is on the cards as well.”
Despite Origin dominating the headlines right now, Brimson was emphatic when asked if he had regrets about not being available.
“No. Obviously you’d always love to be part of Origin but this is the decision I have made and I have made it for my reasons,” he said.
AAP
