Burleigh Bears playmaker Cameron Cullen ready for Titans call-up after man-of-the-match performance

CAMERON Cullen made an irresistible case for an NRL call-up as the Titans playmaker’s premiership-winning father declared his son ready for first grade.

Intrust Super Cup. Norths Devils v Burleigh Bears. Bears number 6 Cameron Cullen.

CAMERON Cullen made an irresistible case for an NRL call-up as the Titans playmaker’s premiership-winning father declared his son ready for first grade.

Cullen staked his claim for a Titans debut in Burleigh’s 26-6 Intrust Super Cup win over Norths yesterday, setting up three of four tries in a man-of-the-match performance that has him in contention to face Cronulla on Sunday.

Cullen warmed up with the Titans last Friday but coach Neil Henry opted for Greg Bird to replace Tyrone Roberts at five-eighth against Brisbane.

Titans-contracted playmaker Cameron Cullen has been in great form for Burleigh.

Roberts (knee) and halfback Ashley Taylor (shoulder) are in doubt for the Sharks clash and Cullen has done all he can to convince Henry to pick him.

It would be a fairytale debut for Cullen, who continued to pursue an NRL career following the death of his brother Justin last year.

Cullen, who at 165cm cuts a similar figure to Allan Langer, spent eight years in the Broncos’ system before moving on in 2014.

He was given a six-week “train and trial” deal by the Titans following Kane Elgey’s injury and earned a one-year contract after starring in a pre-season trial against South Sydney.

Wayne Cullen was a nuggety halfback in the Brisbane Rugby League, winning the 1985 premiership with Souths under now Broncos coach Wayne Bennett in a team featuring Mal Meninga.

“Cameron hasn’t changed his attitude since the day he got selected in the under-20s at the Broncos,” Wayne Cullen said.

“He’s improved himself every year. He’s given away a lot to get himself right.

“Nothing’s going to worry him. He’s now ready to take that step. He just needs someone to have some faith in him that he’s the right person for the right job.”

Cullen put on the opening try for Jamie Dowling before twice combining with halfback Jamal Fogarty.

He would give the Titans another genuine playmaking option, something Taylor said was needed after he was targeted by the Broncos.

“He’s a halfback. He’s not trying to fill in a position,” Taylor said.

“That’s his role.

“I’m pretty sure Tyrone will be right for next week.”

Townsville flexed their premiership muscle with a 42-8 thumping of Tweed Heads yesterday while a Leon Panapa field goal got Souths-Logan over the line against Wynnum-Manly. Panapa slotted the one-pointer with just minutes remaining to give the Magpies a 21-20 win.

A glitch in the Queensland Rugby League’s scoring system reported an incorrect result on Saturday night. The PNG Hunters beat Mackay 34-20 to leave the Cutters without a win in 2016.

Originally published as Burleigh Bears playmaker Cameron Cullen ready for Titans call-up after man-of-the-match performance