As if they're going to bring one of their co-captains back through QCup.
But seriously, if he does come straight back in it could prove to be a bit of a PR disaster with a lot of fans. Coming back either way could reap the same result anyway..
As if they're going to bring one of their co-captains back through QCup.
But seriously, if he does come straight back in it could prove to be a bit of a PR disaster with a lot of fans. Coming back either way could reap the same result anyway..
Better players than this pony have come back through the grades ... if he was fairdinkum, if Henry was fairdinkum, if the club was fairdinkum, he could only come back through the grades ... round 10 last year without real contact makes him a liability on all sorts of levels.
I can't believe a team captain won't take one for the team ... disgraceful.
Four reasons to escape to Queensland: Sun, Surf, Sand & the Titans.
Titans co-captain William Zillman will be sidelined indefinitely, Matt Srama out for the season
March 22, 2016 4:56pm
TRAVIS MEYN RUGBY LEAGUE
The Courier-Mail
TITANS coach Neil Henry has revealed co-captain William Zillman is sidelined indefinitely as hooker Matt Srama’s season was brought to a premature end.
Srama, who is off-contract this year, faces a fight to save his NRL career after yesterday learning he must undergo a knee reconstruction.
While the news isn’t as dire for Zillman, it has been nearly one year since the Titans fullback last played in the NRL.
Zillman’s only game since May 16 last year (Round 10) was in the Gold Coast’s final pre-season trial against South Sydney last month when he aggravated a calf problem.
It was originally thought the 29-year-old would only miss a fortnight but he has not been able to get on the park and will sit out Saturday’s game against former club Canberra.
“We thought it was going to be right by now so I’m pretty reluctant (to put a time frame on it),” Henry said.
“It’s really annoying him. He’s very frustrated.
“He hurt this way back in Ballina (in January) when we were training there. It just tightened up and he hasn’t been able to get it right.
“It could be the following weekend against the Broncos or the week after that.”
Zillman, who is in the fourth season of a five-year contract, underwent a successful back operation late last season to alleviate the hamstring problems he was suffering and the calf injury is believed to be unrelated.
Despite the efforts of Titans physiotherapist Greg Condon and Zillman’s impeccable training ethic, the 156-game veteran is struggling to find full fitness.
“He hasn’t been able to put together a full week’s training or any contact,” Henry said.
“He runs about 8km in a game. He needs to be able to get through the volume and have some strength and confidence back.
“Until he can do that he won’t be able to play.”
Srama has been left gutted after rupturing his ACL in an innocuous incident while playing for Burleigh in the Intrust Super Cup, meaning he won’t add to his 65-match NRL tally this year.
The 25-year-old has only played nine NRL games in the past two years and will likely continue his career elsewhere in 2017.
“It’s really disappointing,” Henry said.
David Mead will again replace Zillman at fullback.
“He was playing some good footy and had overcome his shoulder operations.
“He’s in the final year of his contract here but he’s a young player with a future. That’s a personal decision for him.
“He’s certainly got the ability to play at the highest level.”
Zillman’s injury has opened the door for David Mead to further stake his claim for the Gold Coast’s No.1 jersey when Henry takes an unchanged team to Canberra.
“He runs about 8km in a game. He needs to be able to get through the volume and have some strength and confidence back.
“Until he can do that he won’t be able to play.”
I'm beginning to think this is the beginning of the end of Zillman's NRL career.
Call me Mr Stupid but...
I dont wish the guy anything awful but seriously the writing has been on the wall since year 1 of his of his 5 year deal. You would take these injuries on say a 'slate, inglis, gallen' type player but honestly what a waste of money. The fullback position in the current NRL is so crucial and Zillman hasnt looked anywhere near a NRL calibre fullback in a loooong time. Hopefully this is the end of it and he can retire with a bit of dignity. Ideally you would like him to go and play out his days in the super league but im sure they wouldnt even take him. Fingers crossed they shut him down for the season.
Its extremely disappointing when the best you can hope is that they slot him into centre and leave Mead at fullback. When/If he comes back all he will be doing is taking a position off a up and coming player (davis, olive, GL etc) who should be getting first grade experience but instead have to make way for Captain Disappointment
8km a game seems small..... i would have thought a fb would run further than that? definetly an active one like billy s
I've seen some wooducks make some poor decisions in the past that has been detrimental to their business/brand. And bringing Mr Zillman back for the Donkeys match would fit into that criteria. FFS, don't do it in front of our largest crowd of the season.
Zillman has to come back through QCup.......if he performs and remains injury free you can then look at it.
Unless you are Lebron James, there are very few sports that you would play a player in the top grade since having a year off with injury.