Gold Coast Titans utility AJ Brimson says representing England in the upcoming Ashes series is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream rooted in his family heritage.
The 27-year-old, who switched his international allegiance earlier this year, is one of six NRL players named in Shaun Wane’s 24-man England squad to face Australia later this month.
The Queensland-born back, whose mother hails from south London, revealed his emotional connection to England and his family’s excitement following the selection.
‘My mum’s family are very happy’
“My mum is obviously very happy. My mum’s family are very happy,” Brimson told reporters in Manchester. “My whole mum’s side of the family is in England. We used to go there as kids for family holidays … to Plymouth. (Mum) is from south London and she has got some family there, which is good.”
Brimson, who previously represented Australia in the 2019 World Cup 9s and played four Origins for Queensland, said his late father was the reason he started in rugby, but it was his mother who helped him pursue the sport after his passing. “My dad's now passed away, but he was probably the reason I started in rugby. Then, mum has kind of stepped in, he passed away when I was about 12,” he said.
“She’s kind of stepped in as the full-time footy parent, and she was super stoked when I told her. Obviously, my brothers were stoked as well.”
Growing up in a household divided between Australian and English loyalties, Brimson admitted his heart always leaned towards the Three Lions. “Growing up in a household watching, you know, union games, football games, rugby league games, she would always be going for England and my dad would be going for Australia,” he said. “I have always loved England and the England jersey, even in football as well. It is just something that I've always wanted to do.”
England open their Ashes campaign against the Kangaroos at Wembley on 25 October, with Brimson eager to make his long-awaited debut.