Huge development in case of footy star AJ Brimson who was suspected of betting on matches after Melbourne Cup social media post

Footy star AJ Brimson is expected to be cleared by the NRL after the Integrity Unit found no evidence he gambled on rugby league matches.

The 26-year-old Brimson will no doubt be relieved after what quickly developed into a saga following an everlasting Melbourne Cup triumph.

The Gold Coast Titans utility posted a screenshot of a digital betting slip to its Instagram Story on Tuesday afternoon, showing the account owner – who he later claimed was his mother – had won a whopping $10,100 in the race that holds a country back.

Initially, some football fans thought the account in the screenshot was Brimson’s, with a second bet also visible on the slip.

Although partially redacted, the second bet would show that an expenditure had been made for a previous rugby league match.

NRL players are banned from betting on games as part of the sport’s code of conduct.

The NRL’s Integrity Unit investigated the incident – and before the outcome, Brimson’s manager Jim Banaghan said his client had nothing to worry about.

He also claimed the NRL Integrity Unit was “very comfortable” with the situation.

Brimson had been enjoying an afternoon at the swanky Nineteen bar at The Star Casino on the Gold Coast when 100/1 Outsider Knight’s Choice stormed through the field to win the Melbourne Cup after a dramatic photo finish.

According to The Daily Telegraphhis mother Vanessa contacted him to let him know she had won big.

There was also a unique reason why she picked Knight’s Choice, a ranked outsider, to win at Flemington.

Her The partner’s name is Kerry Knight and it is believed his surname is the reason why Brimson’s mother backed the horse ridden by Robbie Dolan to win Australia’s big race.

Brimson then posted a screenshot of the big payout on his social media.

Eagle-eyed fans noticed a ‘First Try-Scorer’ bet had been partially taken from the betting slip – and it’s understood Brimson’s mother had placed a bet on him to score a try in a 2024 NRL match for the Titans.

“It was a bit of harmless fun that backfired,” Brimson’s manager Jim Banaghan said.

‘He pretended he had won the prize, when he had [actually] another family member.

‘The Integrity Cell is looking at it carefully and seems to like everything very much at the moment. It’s not going anywhere.

‘Unfortunately for those who want a good story, this isn’t one of them. I completely understand everyone getting excited, but there’s nothing to be excited about.

‘Congratulations to his mother for backing a 100-1 winner – I wish it was me.’

The Titans also told Daily Mail Australia: ‘The Gold Coast Titans have referred a social media post from AJ Brimson to the NRL Integrity Unit.

“The club is unable to comment further on this matter at this time.”

Sportsbet, the NRL’s betting partner, is also said to be providing league officials with contacts needed for their investigation.

The NRL has previously issued a warning to players about the seriousness of potential gambling offences, with ex-chief operating officer Jim Doyle revealing the sanctions players could face.

“We are saying that if you bet on rugby league you are at significant risk of losing your job or being significantly suspended,” he said.

Wests Tigers center Tim Simona was deregistered by the NRL in 2017 after it emerged he had bet against his own team.

Simona had bet money against his own team winning and against opposing players scoring against the Tigers.

Brimson has established himself as a key figure for the Titans after making his first-grade debut in 2018.

The full-back has since made 112 appearances, most notably scoring five tries in 13 appearances this season.