Gold Coast front-rower David Shillington features in latest Lost Titan column

David Shillington is busier than ever these days despite the fact he will never fully recover from the injury that ended his NRL career.

DAVID Shillington is busier than ever these days despite the fact he will never fully recover from the injury that ended his NRL career.

There were high hopes on the Gold Coast when the representative veteran signed for the 2016 season.

However, his stint lasted just 11 games before he was forced to retire the following pre-season as a recurring pectoral injury deteriorated to the point where he was unable to complete a single push-up.

MATTHEWS SET FOR BLAST FROM THE PAST

“As a front-rower and a senior player, I needed to be accountable there and I spoke to Neil (Henry, coach) about it at length over the next few months and decided that was enough,” Shillington reflected.

“I didn’t want to be a liability out there and it was probably best that they moved on without me.

David Shillington takes a hit-up for the Titans. Picture: Getty Images

“I’m definitely disappointed I couldn’t contribute as much on the field as I wanted to. It was a bit of a dream come true really to sign with the Titans and come home to Queensland and finish my career with a few years for them.”

Even now, his pectoral is only at “30 or 40 per cent” and will never fully heal. The injury prevented him from fulfilling his intentions of giving back on the field at grassroots level at a club like Brisbane Norths, where he played juniors.

It hasn’t slowed his life down, however.

VICTORY 714 DAYS IN THE MAKING FOR MCQUEEN

“I’m a hell of a lot more busy than when I played football,” Shillington laughed.

The 35-year-old grew comfortable with the corporate world after receiving a Queensland Leaders scholarship.

David Shillington. Picture: Mark Cranitch

“I was intimidated by the boardroom,” he admitted. “But then regularly through Queensland Leaders I was going into the boardroom with about a dozen people (business leaders from various fields) and we would chat for three or four hours on different topics.”

Shillington now balances marketing work for 360 Degree Media Group, being an NRL ambassador focusing on community programs and making a difference in the mental health sphere, and offering his coaching and mentoring services with upstart company PlayBook.

WALLACE OUT TO MAKE UP FOR LOST TIME

A FRONT-ROWER running like a man possessed, driven by his hunger to score the winning try against his former teammates.

That’s the memory that stands out above all when it comes to David Shillington’s 2016 stint at the Titans.

Back in the nation’s capital where he had spent the previous seven seasons, Shillington took it upon himself to seal a dramatic come-from-behind victory for his new side when he opted for a quick tap from 20m out in the dying minutes.

Shillington’s memorable match-winning try. Picture: Getty Images

Several Raiders got in his way but none could bring him to a halt.

“I remember it was just meant to be because we were talking all week about Luke Bailey, how he loved a quick tap from a penalty,” Shillington recalled.

WHY DEARDEN WAS ALWAYS DESTINED FOR BIG THINGS

“Then come game day, we got that penalty. It was 20m out – although I sometimes tell people it was 60m out – and I thought you know what, they’re on the back foot, they’re tired, let’s have a crack at them Luke Bailey style and it turned out to be a good option in the end.”

Age: 35

Born: Brisbane

Lives: Brisbane

Honours: 2010 Dally M prop of the year; 14 Tests for Australia; eight State of Origins for Queensland

NRL games: 215 including 11 for Gold Coast (Roosters 2005-08; Raiders 2009-15; Titans 2016)