Rookie makes debut at 29

ST George Illawarra will make Darren Nicholls the oldest rookie half in the NRL era after naming him for the clash with Melbourne tomorrow.

Nicholls, 29, will cover for Queensland Origin halfback Ben Hunt.

For Nicholls, the match marks the culmination of a 10year journey that began with him being the Wests Tigers’ halfback for the maiden season of Toyota Cup back in 2008.

Craig Trindall was 27 when he made his debut for Penrith in 2006.