Titans rookie Cameron Cullen will make his NRL debut in place of injured five-eighth Tyrone Roberts

TITANS rookie Cameron Cullen will make his long-awaited NRL debut in place of injured five-eighth Tyrone Roberts.

Gold Coast Titans training session held at Pizzey Park. Cameron Cullen. Picture by Scott Fletcher

TITANS rookie Cameron Cullen will make his long-awaited NRL debut against Cronulla on Sunday while co-captain William Zillman is set to play his first NRL game in nearly a year.

Gold Coast five-eighth Tyrone Roberts is still battling bone bruising in his knee and will miss at least another week of action.

The injury has opened the door for Cullen to debut at the age of 22.

Cullen spent eight years in the Broncos’ system, playing two seasons in the under-20s competition.

He joined the Titans on a “train and trial” deal in the pre-season after Kane Elgey suffered a season-ending knee injury and eventually earned a one-year contract.

Cameron Cullen in action at Titans training. Picture: Scott Fletcher

“He didn’t let anyone down in a couple of NRL trials,” coach Neil Henry said.

“I feel he’s ready and Ash Taylor (halfback) needs some help there.

“Birdy’s (Greg Bird) better in his position at lock. His halfback days are over.

“We’ve got confidence Cullo will do the job.

“It’s a credit to him for working very hard.”

WATCH: CULLEN’S MAN-OF-THE-MATCH PERFORMANCE AGAINST NORTHS

Zillman was named on an extended bench but will be called into the side if he recovers well from Sunday’s Intrust Super Cup game for Tweed Heads.

Zillman hasn’t played in the NRL since Round 10 last year due to hamstring, back and calf injuries.

Henry said the co-captain would be picked but was not sure if he would replace David Mead at fullback.

Halfback Ashley Taylor is expected to play despite suffering a knock to his left shoulder in last Friday’s loss to Brisbane.

Originally published as Titans rookie Cameron Cullen will make his NRL debut in place of injured five-eighth Tyrone Roberts