Fit-again Zillman wants to play on
WILLIAM Zillman has declared he wants to play on in 2018 after rediscovering fitness and form following a frustrating battle with injury.
Zillman will line up in his 150th match for the Titans at Penrith on Saturday night, drawing level with Luke Bailey as the second-most capped Titan of all time behind Mark Minichiello (173 games).
It’s sweet reward for Zillman, who managed just 19 games in two years as he battled back and calf injuries that cruelled his ability to play.
History seemed to be repeating this year when Zillman was forced out with a calf problem that sidelined him for six weeks, with his career seemingly in limbo.
But after returning through the Queensland Cup for Tweed, Zillman has now played six consecutive games for the Titans – and more than two months of football all up – to show he still has a future at this level.
The 30-year-old – he turns 31 in a fortnight – was among four players told by coach Neil Henry they would not have a home at the Titans beyond this year.
While Josh Hoffman, David Mead and Luke Douglas have since moved on, three of them before their contracts expired, Zillman has remained and is playing some of his best football in years.
“I’d love to play on, definitely,” Zillman said. “I feel as fit and healthy as I have for probably three years, which is great for me mentally.
“I’m 31 in a couple of weeks, so hopefully I’ve still got a couple of years left.”
Sorting his future has not been a priority for Zillman though, who has just wanted to get back on field.
“For me personally, it was really important that I didn’t worry about 2018 whatsoever while I was injured,” he said.
“All I wanted to do was get back playing football, hopefully get back into first grade and play good football.
“Then it’s one of those things where, that’s why we have managers, so the rest of it can take care of itself.
“I’m pleased with how I’m going and how I’m feeling and that’s all I can control right now.”
It’s been more than a year since Zillman has been able to string that many games together and his return has been a welcome fillip after a frustrating period.
“It’s always really hard that first couple of weeks coming back after injury, it’s hard not only physically but it’s extremely hard mentally to get your head around, especially if you’ve suffered a few injuries in consecutive seasons,” he said.
“To get that first month of football out of the way and be feeling really good and now I’m two months down the track ... it is a really good feeling.
“But it’s not just about staying fit, it’s about playing good football as well.”