Titans skipper William Zillman ready to play his first match of the season

IT’S been almost 12 months since William Zillman played in an NRL match but the Titans skipper says he’s ready to return for the Gold Coast.

William Zillman of the Titans during the NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Penrith Panthers. Pic Darren England.

WILLIAM Zillman is raring to go in his first NRL game for almost a year, saying his calf is back to 100 per cent.

The Titans co-captain has been plagued by the leg injury since a trial against the Rabbitohs early last year.

The fullback has not played since Round 10 last year following a serious back injury but is primed for his long-awaited comeback against the Sharks on Sunday.

He said an Intrust Super Cup hitout for Tweed last week had assured him of his fitness.

“I played 80 minutes and pulled up 100 per cent,” he said.

“It’s been a good training week so far and it’s all going well.”

It is uncertain where Zillman will play, with David Mead doing a solid job at fullback during the 29-year-old’s absence.

He has been named on an extended bench but is one of the Gold Coast’s most versatile backs and could slot in at wing or centre.

The Titans’ left-side defence of John Olive and Nene Macdonald was exposed by the Broncos last week, which does give Henry the option to use Zillman there.

Zillman played for Tweed Heads last weekend.

Zillman said he was simply happy to be back, adding that the Titans’ early form had helped keep him to stay positive.

The Titans have defied expectations to win three of their first five games.

“It’s always very, very tough sitting on the sidelines but the team has started the year really well,” he said.

“There’s a really good culture building here. To be a part of that is a pretty special thing.”