It's made a two-year drip-feed of on-field action frustrating for the 19-year-old Illawarra product, who's long been tipped as a future star for the joint-venture.

That trajectory was placed on hold after the initial COVID outbreak last season that brought a halt to all lower grade competitions and kept Sullivan him to just a handful of games - though it included an NRL debut in round 25.

A potential jump to more regular NRL action this season has also been hamstrung by a host of niggling injuries, with the former Steelers SG Ball captain admitting it's been a frustrating trot.

"I feel like it was on me to get my body right and at the start of the year I had two injuries," Sullivan said.

"It was a bit frustrating because Dozer (Ben Hunt) got injured and Normy (Corey Norman) was suspended so I was more frustrated with myself.

"I was really excited for this year and ready to start 2021 with a bang. Unfortunately that's how footy goes. It was frustrating, especially with no footy [last year] as well, but I'm just grateful to be back playing footy now."

After making back to back appearances in the halves against the Titans and Rabbitohs a fortnight ago, Sullivan has missed his side's past two games.

He's been recalled on the bench for Sunday's clash with the Roosters and has a chance to press his claims for next season with long-time half Norman set to depart after three seasons in Wollongong.

Read more: Time the most precious commodity in NRL recruitment stakes

New recruit Moses Mbye will be a rival in the race to partner Ben Hunt next season - along with fellow rookie Talatau Amone - but Sullivan expects the competition to help his footy.

"To learn off Moses and to have learned off guys like Corey Norman... I'm really grateful for that opportunity," Sullivan said.

"When Gaz [Widdop] was at the Dragons I was learning off him as well and I feel like it's going to benefit my footy.

"Moses is a very talented player and bringing a guy like that to the Dragons, I feel I can learn a lot off him. He's played Origin, he's had a bit of adversity in his career as well.

"I've learned so much in the years I've been in the red v and to bring another player in to learn off is amazing."

With Amone getting his first crack in his preferred No. 6 on Sunday, Sullivan may get to reprise his role alongside his long-time junior teammate from the bench.

With regular middle forward Josh Maguire pushing up to hooker in the absence of the injured Andrew McCullough, Sullivan could also spend time at dummy-half.

"I'm expecting [Amone] to set the field on fire," Sullivan said.

"We saw what he could in 25 minutes last week and I'm just excited to see what he can do in 80. If I get on in the halves or get on in the middle, I'm just going to go out there and do my job for the team.

"I spoke to Hook (Anthony Griffin) two weeks ago and said I'll play anywhere for the team. I haven't really spoken to him too much about my role this weekend but I know it'll just be bringing some energy off the bench.

"In a few SG Ball games I went into hooker for a bit but it's [all] football. I just love playing footy so if I end up at hooker that's where I'll play."