Titans X-Factor: William Zillman

Since bursting onto the scene as one of the game’s most exciting young players in 2007, former Canberra Raider William Zillman has had a very tough time. <br><br>A knee injury ended his 2007 prematurely and then his 2008 comeback ended after only two rounds of the season, ending the electrifying fullback’s year before it even got started.<br><br>After another round of surgery and rehab, 12 months later Zillman has moved from Canberra back home to Queensland to join the Gold Coast Titans and is happy to be in the their top 17 after a long time out of the game.<br><br>The Titans have placed a lot of faith in the youngster, signing him to a four year deal and would be hoping his injury worries are behind him.<br><br>In an ominous warning for opposing teams, Zillman is confident he can deliver after his two knee reconstructions.<br><br>“I’m really happy. I was a little bit surprised when I heard my name called out for the team in round one, but I have played all three trials and I’m feeling good and not worried about my knee.”<br><br>That confidence has come back after very promising trial performances, although Zillman admits his confidence has taken some time to return.<br><br>“There was never a time where I wasn’t confident, but I certainly wasn’t brimming with it early in the trials or the pre-season. I think getting it back comes with game time.<br><br>“I’m just taking things week to week and want to be playing every week, whether it be in the Queensland Cup or in first grade for the Titans.”<br><br>One gets the feeling Zillman is too talented to leave out of the first grade squad, despite his refreshing, humble attitude. His ability to run off the likes of Scott Prince, Mat Rogers, Luke Bailey, Anthony Laffranchi and co. make him a dangerous weapon.<br><br>And according to Zillman he still has the pace he displayed at the Raiders.<br><br>“I can’t tell if there’s a difference in my speed, if I have lost any I haven’t noticed.<br><br>“I have learnt a lot off Scott Prince and we’ve worked hard on a lot of combinations in the backline. Princey is a joy to play alongside and if we can do some damage in attack all the better.<br><br>“We’ve got a lot of depth and talent in the backline so I’m sure we can score some points.”<br><br>While Prince is often the focal point of the Titans it is his co-captain who has really impressed Zillman as the Titans look to make the finals for the first time ever this year.<br><br>“Luke is unbelievable. I hadn’t spoken to him much before I came here. He trains really hard and leads the team on the field.<br><br>“We have a lot of depth and we are definitely looking at the finals this year. It would be great to be a part of the finals as it would be my first finals series as well as the clubs.”<br><br>If the Titans do make the finals and Zillman is fit the Titans faithful should see some exciting footy, although by that stage they will already know what Zillman is capable of.<br><br>