NRL news: Horrible twist for star after switch to England that triggered ban from State of Origin

England's 3-0 loss to Australia in the Ashes was compounded by a "serious" shoulder injury suffered by fullback AJ Brimson, who's decision to switch allegiances saw him banned from playing State of Origin for the rest of his career. Brimson was forced from the field after just 10 minutes in the third Test on Saturday night.

The Gold Coast Titans star had the point of his shoulder forced into the ground after his arm was caught up in a tackle from Cameron Munster. Brimson immediately cried out in pain and had to leave the field.

Speaking after the game, England coach Shaun Wane revealed Brimson had suffered damage to his AC joint - an extremely painful injury that Wane described as "serious". He said: "He's really, really damaged his AC, so bad, and they are really, really painful.

"He was so gutted to come off, he is a brave kid and he's loved his time here. He has been a great addition to our squad. I've been really impressed."

Wane had to use Mikey Lewis at fullback for the remaining 70 minutes - a position he hadn't played for two years. "That hurt us a lot, there is no doubt about that – that hurt the way we do everything, but I thought we adapted well," said Wane.

Brimson was overlooked for the first Test, but was handed his England debut in the second. His decision to switch allegiances to represent his English mother didn't end the way he would have wanted, after he struggled to have much impact in the second game and lasted just 10 minutes in the third.

Thankfully for Titans fans, 'NRL Physio' Brien Seeney is reporting that Brimson is unlikely to require surgery and will be back to full fitness in 4-6 weeks. His pre-season will be hampered, but he won't miss any games in 2026.

AJ Brimson now banned from State of Origin

Brimson had played four State of Origin games for Queensland - including helping the Maroons win the series in 2020 and 2023. He appeared to be in the conversation for selection this year, but his decision to play for England means he's now banned from Origin for the rest of his career.

But with Reece Walsh proving himself as the game's new No.1 fullback - and Kalyn Ponga still in his prime - Brimson probably realised his Origin career with the Maroons was over anyway. Speaking before the series, the Titans player said he wanted to represent his English mother after his Aussie father died when he was younger.

"It’s very, very exciting for me and my family to play for England," he said. "Mum’s obviously very happy, her family’s very happy. I’ve always loved England and the England jersey, even the football one, too. It’s just something that I’ve always wanted to do.

"Dad (who is Australian) is probably the reason I started playing rugby league, but mum stepped in as the full-time rugby parent (when he passed away). Growing up watching rugby union games, football games, rugby league games and cricket, she’d always be going for England and my dad would be going for Australia. Which country did I go for? England."

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Brimson had previously been blocked from representing England because he played for Australia at the now-defunct Rugby League World Cup 9s event in 2019. However the International Rugby League (IRL) changed the rules back in May and declared the World Cup 9s no longer relevant because it's effectively been discontinued, and was "unfairly" restricting players from featuring at Test level.

Brimson applied to switch his allegiance to England, and the IRL approved. "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," he said in June. "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."

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