The developments surrounding their destructive forward are causing the Titans to perspire.
The Gold Coast star David Fifita may miss the start of the NRL season due to his most recent knee setback, but it may also open the door for AJ Brimson and Kieran Foran to make spectacular positional changes. Although Fifita’s recuperation from ankle surgery has apparently not gone as planned, the Titans are expecting to have the former representative backrower available for their season opener against the Bulldogs in round two.
It has now been revealed that the Titans are considering a change to their starting lineup that would see experienced No. 7 Foran move to a bench utility role, where he has excelled for New Zealand, and Brimson play in the halves alongside Jayden Campbell. Foran has had 17 surgeries in 17 years, the most recent being to treat several lateral ligament ruptures and stable a problematic ankle.
In addition, Fifita has been dealing with an ankle injury that kept him out of action in the latter part of 2024 and prevented him from playing in the season finale. After undergoing surgery to address the issue, the destructive edge forward was anticipated to resume full preseason training with the Titans in anticipation of the next campaign.
Fifita’s recuperation has taken longer than anticipated, though, and it is said that he will still be a while before he can return to the Gold Coast team due to his inability to train freely. Although it is known that the 24-year-old does not need more surgery, the setback casts a huge shadow over his aspirations of being healthy for the season’s opening. His chances of playing in Gold Coast’s opening preseason game against the Broncos on February 16 are significantly greater.
Fifita has participated in Gold Coast’s preseason training, but his responsibilities have been restricted, and the club’s medical staff is keeping a careful eye on him. One advantage is that Fifita will get an extra week to try to recover before the NRL matchup against the Bulldogs at Belmore on March 16 because the Titans have a bye to begin the season.
The good news for Des Hasler’s team is that Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, the inspirational Titans captain, is almost ready to resume full preseason training at the same field where he sustained a season-ending ACL injury in 2024. As part of his rehabilitation plan, Fa’asuamaleaui has been following a limited training regimen. Before he is cleared to resume full training, he must complete a number of demanding activities.
The Titans captain’s presence will greatly increase their chances of playing finals football in 2025, and if everything goes according to plan, Fa’asuamaleaui will be cleared to resume full preseason training as early as next week. Titans coach Hasler must make a difficult decision on Fifita’s replacement, though, as there are rumours that it may allow Brimson to make an unexpected positional change.
Will Kieran Foran and AJ Brimson have new positions in 2025?
According to reports, Brimson and Keano Kini were competing for the fullback position. His young, talented teammate was a revelation as the No. 1 jumper the previous season, and he had a good chance of keeping it in 2025. Steve Philp of the “Not Another F*#ing Rugby League Podcast” said on SEN radio that Hasler may move Brimson into lock in order to get both stars into the starting lineup.
He questioned Hasler’s alternatives for filling in for Fifita in the event of his absence, asking, “Could you see AJ Brimson moving into the lock position and then pushing players from lock upwards?” “Because it appears that they lack… I mean, I would make space for Brimson, but everyone is talking about him starting the season at 14 years old.
Due to a string of injuries, including a groin issue that prompted him to have surgery and terminate his season early, Brimson found it difficult to secure a consistent position with Gold Coast in 2024. After making 16 appearances, scoring six tries and dishing out seven try assists, Kini made the most of his chances in the No. 1 shirt to provide the Gold Coast defence plenty of attacking danger.
It has recently been revealed, though, that Hasler is thinking of bringing Foran back into the starting lineup by starting the veteran at number 14, which would allow Brimson to play five-eighth alongside Campbell at number seven. Having played for New Zealand in the 2022 World Cup, Foran is familiar with the No. 14 jumper. The veteran, who started for the Kiwis in their 30-0 thumping of Australia in the Pacific Cup final in 2023, would probably appreciate a roaming role in the halves and at dummy-half.
