Playing the 150th NRL game of his career, William Zillman was given the perfect present when teammate James Roberts intercepted a Sharks pass to score the match winner ending a tough month for the Gold Coast Titans.
It was a welcome stroke of fortune for the Titans and Zillman after three straight defeats to start the season.
"We've been in a couple of tight ones this year that we've lost and those have been heartbreaking," Zillman said.
"We really needed to get a tight win like this one, to start to learn again how to win those tight matches and we got away with it tonight."
Zillman was proud to notch up 150 NRL games, particularly after a horror start to his career where he ruptured his ACL twice in the space of a year.
"It's a pretty surreal feeling really," the 28-year-old said.
"You play one game and you're so over the moon about that, so to clock up 150 now over nine or 10 years it's a pretty special feeling."
After a few tumultuous weeks to start season 2015, Zillman said the player's focus has always been on the football, and the side has not allowed itself to be distracted by any off-field dramas.
He made special mention of returning trio Greg Bird, David Taylor and Beau Falloon who have strengthened the side since coming back for last week's game against Newcastle.
"They've been great, Bird and Taylor are both representative players and we've got Beau Falloon back at hooker as well.
"So three really class players and they boosted us, it was just a good team effort tonight I thought.
"I thought our forwards were outstanding and really laid the platform for us."
Zillman is keen to stay at the Gold Coast club - one he says is on the up - especially considering the recent acquisition of superstar Daly Cherry-Evans for season 2016 and beyond.
"I've still got at least a couple more years with the Titans and I really love the direction that the club is heading," Zillman said.
"Hopefully we can play some finals footy and go a bit further in the competition."
