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Brimson potential excites Maroons original

3 minute read

Queensland's inaugural State of Origin fullback Colin Scott is excited about the prospect of AJ Brimson becoming the Maroons' newest No.1.

ALEXANDER BRIMSON
ALEXANDER BRIMSON Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Queensland's original State of Origin fullback Colin Scott is fully behind the prospect of AJ Brimson becoming the Maroons' latest No.1.

A near-certainty to make Queensland's 27-man squad following his stellar NRL form with Gold Coast, Brimson looms as the man to play fullback next month for the Maroons if Kalyn Ponga is unavailable.

Ponga is set to meet with a surgeon on Thursday to have a labral tear in his left shoulder assessed.

If the Newcastle Knights man needs an operation he is almost certain to withdraw from this year's Origin campaign, opening the door for Brimson to debut in his favoured position at the Adelaide Oval on November 4.

Scott, who made 17 appearances for the Maroons including the inaugural State of Origin match in 1980, is confident Brimson is ready.

"It's another level up. The good players just fit in and you can tell he's got plenty of potential there," Scott told AAP.

"To pull that Maroon jersey on means something else."

The uncertainty over Ponga's availability forced Queensland to postpone the announcement of the first batch of players in this year's squad on Tuesday.

While NSW coach Brad Fittler has already confirmed six players from NRL clubs who have ended their seasons in the Blues squad, Queensland is yet to lock in any players.

Last week's resignation as Queensland coach by Kevin Walters after he was appointed at Brisbane has also had an impact, with South Sydney mentor Wayne Bennett taking up the reins for the 2020 series.

Scott, who played under Bennett in the 1986 and 1987 series, says the veteran coach is the perfect man to pull together a patched-up squad at short notice.

"He's been a part of Origin and obviously, back in the day we had new players coming into the side so he knows what the deal is," Scott said.

"The players are going to look forward to playing for him."

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