PNG Chiefs Resume Pursuit of AJ Brimson
The PNG Chiefs are negotiating to sign AJ Brimson from the Gold Coast Titans after submitting a three-year contract offer.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in People
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The PNG Chiefs have restarted contract negotiations to sign AJ Brimson, offering the Gold Coast Titans star a three-year deal. The team is currently working to finalize release terms regarding salary contributions with the Titans.
Why it matters
Coach Willie Peters has identified AJ Brimson as a crucial asset for the PNG Chiefs, who are working to establish their presence as the 19th NRL team. The club is also simultaneously pursuing a three-year deal with Titans back rower Cooper Bai.
The PNG Chiefs have offered a $750,000 annual tax-free salary for a three-year term. This figure compares to the $900,000 yearly salary AJ Brimson currently earns under his Titans contract, which is set to expire at the end of 2030.
The players
AJ Brimson
He is a professional rugby league player currently under contract with the Gold Coast Titans until the end of 2030.
Willie Peters
He is a coach who views AJ Brimson as a major asset for the developing PNG Chiefs roster.
Cooper Bai
He is a back rower for the Gold Coast Titans who has also received a three-year contract offer from the PNG Chiefs.
PNG Chiefs
This organization is an emerging professional rugby league entity aiming to become the 19th team in the NRL.
Gold Coast Titans
This is a professional rugby league club currently holding the existing contract for AJ Brimson.
The details
The Gold Coast Titans gave AJ Brimson permission to explore opportunities with other clubs in late August 2026. The PNG Chiefs are now in discussions to determine how much of the player's existing salary will be covered during the transition period.
Timeline
Late August 2026: The Gold Coast Titans allowed AJ Brimson to negotiate with other teams.
October 22, 2026: The PNG Chiefs resumed their formal pursuit of AJ Brimson.
2028: The year marking the start of the disputed contract contribution period.
2030: The year AJ Brimson's current contract with the Gold Coast Titans expires.
Market Landscape
The pursuit of established players like AJ Brimson and Cooper Bai highlights the rapid roster construction required for the PNG Chiefs to enter the league as the 19th NRL team. This strategy mirrors the aggressive talent acquisition models often seen when new franchises attempt to bridge the competitive gap against long-standing established clubs.
The potential departure of AJ Brimson and Cooper Bai signals significant roster changes for Gold Coast Titans supporters. Fans should monitor official club announcements to see how these departures impact ticket demand and team performance in the upcoming season.
The takeaway
Professional sports teams often utilize tax-advantaged salary structures to attract veteran talent during expansion phases. Readers should note that complex release terms between clubs can often extend negotiation timelines even when a player has been granted permission to move.
Further reading
For more on industry recruitment trends, visit the People section.
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