Gold Coast star AJ Brimson officially cleared over Melbourne Cup betting post

The NRL have officially cleared Gold Coast star AJ Brimson of any wrongdoing over his Melbourne Cup Day social media post.

Brimson became embroiled in controversy when he posted a screenshot of a $10,100 win after a bet backing Knight’s Choice in the Melbourne Cup.

The image also appeared to show a previous bet on a rugby league game, which had attempted to be scribbled out.

Brimson was almost immediately referred to the NRL integrity unit by the Titans, given NRL players are forbidden from betting on rugby league games.

But the star back, who had an injury-impacted season in 2024 and was limited to 13 games for the Titans, had remained adamant the bets were in fact placed by his mother and the screenshot passed onto him before he posted it.

The NRL agreed with Brimson’s version of events, with the Titans confirming the matter is now closed in a statement on Thursday.

“The Titans can confirm following all relevant enquiries relating to a social media post on AJ Brimson’s Instagram account, the NRL has found no evidence to indicate Brimson has breached the gambling provisions of the NRL Code of Conduct,” The Titans said in a statement.

“No further comment will be provided on the matter.”

Brimson’s manager last week all but confirmed the NRL would take no action.

“I rang (the NRL) yesterday afternoon and spoke to them and they were satisfied with my explanation,” Brimson’s manager Jim Banaghan told AAP last week.

“It is all over, red rover.

“I told everyone there was nothing in it and it all married up.

“AJ is straight down the line, honest and a really nice kid. He just thought he’d have a bit of fun and it all turned to custard.”

The veteran player manager said he had seen it all in his three decades of management and could see a humorous side to the saga.

“We will all have a laugh next year and I will have Brimson’s tips out the day before the Cup,” he grinned.

Brimson had claimed he put up the screenshot of his mother’s win as a prank when he claimed it to be his own, and was unaware of the previous bet still showing.

It’s expected the former Queensland State of Origin representative will receive a gentle reminder about taking care in future social media use.

The NRL has previously taken action against players for betting on NRL games.

The most recent was in 2017 involving former Wests Tigers outside back Tim Simona, who was deregistered for placing bets on opposition players in matches he was playing.

- With AAP