Rising Dragons youngster Jayden Sullivan is confident he won't be sidelined for long after suffering a toe injury in NSW Cup on Saturday.
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The halfback was playing just his second game of the season in the 40-18 victory over South Sydney, having returned from a hamstring injury the week prior.
Sullivan has been dubbed a future star by a number of experts, having led the Illawarra Steelers to SG Ball glory in 2019 before making his NRL debut in round 20 last season.
While he conceded it is disheartening to spend so much time off the field, the teenager is confident he will only miss one week with the toe injury.
It's pretty frustrating," Sullivan said. "Especially coming back from a long stint on the sidelines, coming back for two games then getting an injured toe.
"Everything comes in threes, so hopefully this is the last one. If I can stay injury free, I'll get back out there and do my best for the team. I'm only 19, so there's plenty of time to play footy."
Sullivan's comments came as Dragons coach Anthony Griffin named an unchanged lineup for Monday's Queen's Birthday clash with the Bulldogs.
Tariq Sims has been listed in the reserves, a decision on his availability to be made after Wednesday night's State of Origin opener.
Sullivan's 2019 Steelers teammate Talatau Amone was again selected on the bench, the utility to play his fifth match against the team he played in his NRL debut in round nine.
"If I do play, I can't wait to go out there again and hopefully get that win again," Amone said.
"I'm just trying to take it day by day, train hard and every time I get named I give it my all. That's pretty much all I can do."
Sullivan and Amone were speaking from Sid Parrish Park, where they assisted in training kids from their junior club. Given the talent running around, the pair are confident the future is bright.
"Me and Sulli grew up together," Amone said. "We've always been playing here, we work so good together and we're just trying to pave a pathway for the kids.
"I love seeing all the young kids achieving what they want to do in life."