The thrill of the Cheyse

MURWILLUMBAH-born rugby league player Cheyse Blair has come a long way in just over 12 months.

MAKING HIS MARK: Cheyse Blair in action for Parramatta against Canberra last season. Blair will line up in the centres for the Eels against the Gold Coast Titans at Skilled Park, Robina, on Sunday night. Picture: GETTY IMAGES

MURWILLUMBAH-born rugby league player Cheyse Blair has come a long way in just over 12 months.

He made his NRL debut for the Parramatta Eels in the first round last year and was hopeful of stringing together a couple of games on the wing.

The 21-year-old has now played 26 NRL games and will get a chance at his preferred position of centre against the Gold Coast Titans at Skilled Park, Robina, on Sunday night.

It couldn't come at a better time for Blair - it's close to home with plenty of friends and family sure to make the trip from Murwillumbah and other parts of the Tweed.

While things might be on the up for Blair, it's been a mixed start to the season for other Northern Rivers players in NRL teams.

Casino product Matt King has had a nightmare start, re-breaking his arm playing for South Sydney feeder club the North Sydney Bears a fortnight ago.

It was his first game back after breaking the arm in the Rabbitohs' last game of the season in the preliminary final against the Melbourne Storm.

He had surgery last week and will be on the sidelines for at least 16 weeks.

Ballina junior Mitchell Aubusson has worked his way back into the starting line-up for the Sydney Roosters' big clash with the Canterbury Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium tonight.

Aubusson has been coming off the bench since the second round.

He will partner Sonny Bill Williams in the second row with Lismore-born Martin Kennedy also on the bench.

An injury to West Tigers five-eighth Benji Marshall could pave the way for the return of Mullumbimby junior Jacob Miller.

Miller wasn't named in the side this week but could be a late inclusion with Marshall set to missa month of football.

No such drama for Ballina junior Tyrone Roberts, who has made the

halfback position his own at the Newcastle Knights this season.

Having Kurt Gidley at hooker and Jarrod Mullen at five-eighth will only help the 21-year-old improve even more.

Former Grafton Ghosts fullback Anthony Don has been named to make his debut for the Titans on Sunday night.

Don played in the NRRRL in 2010, scoring 40 tries and kicking 71 goals in Ghosts' undefeated season.

Former Northern Rivers players David Mead and Luke Douglas have been consistent this season and will also be playing for the Titans on Sunday.