Evergreen Zilly chalks up another landmark

HEADING into this season, questions swirled around William Zillman’s immediate NRL future.

Off-contract at the end of the year. Behind Jarryd Hayne in the race for his preferred fullback position.

But the Titans stalwart has put those hurdles, plus earlyseason calf injuries, aside to make it to a significant milestone when he runs out against the Panthers on Saturday.

The match will mark Zillman’s 150th in Titans colours and lift him into equal second on the club’s all-time appearances list, equal with Luke Bailey and behind only Mark Minichiello (173).

Coach Neil Henry was yesterday full of praise for the 30year-old, who has struck form playing on the left wing and is the Gold Coast’s longest-serving current player, having joined from Canberra in 2009.

“He’s had his fair share of injuries throughout that time. It’s good to see him back on the park playing some good footy on a regular basis really and it’s a credit to him,” Henry said.

“He’s a very good player and an even better club man and role model.

“He has handled the transition to the wing and accepted that and started to do a very good job. He certainly had a very good game in difficult conditions on the weekend against Cronulla so hopefully he keeps backing that up.”

Zillman’s left-side centre partner Dale Copley will also celebrate a milestone in Penrith – his 100th NRL game. Henry said Copley is “developing nicely” and will continue to improve.