LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
AJ Brimson has recently announced his decision to switch allegiances from Australia to England, a choice that has effectively ended his State of Origin career and imposed a ban on him from representing Queensland.
The International Rugby League (IRL) approved Brimson's application to play for England last month.
Previously, Brimson was bound to play for Australia at the international level after participating in the Rugby League World Cup 9s in 2019.
However, the IRL declared that the World Cup 9s is no longer relevant and that it was "unfairly" restricting players from participating in Test matches.
Given the slim chances of Brimson being selected for the Kangaroos, he opted to represent England, influenced by his mother's heritage.
This switch means Brimson's State of Origin career is concluded since England is classified as a Tier-1 nation.
Players who represent England or New Zealand are banned from playing in the Origin series, which means Brimson will not be adding to his four appearances for the Maroons.
With other players such as Kalyn Ponga, Reece Walsh, and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow ahead in the selection roster, Brimson likely felt his chances for further Origin appearances were limited.
The recent removal of Daly Cherry-Evans from the halfback position opened a potential spot on the bench after Tom Dearden was promoted for Game 2.
While it remains uncertain if Brimson would have been considered for that role, some speculated he might have been a candidate had he not made the switch to England.