Jayden 'Bud' Sullivan is on the verge of being handed the keys to the Dragons - but like an old run-down Ford Mustang, there's plenty of work to be done to return it to its former glory.
The 21-year-old has been forced to bide his time in the NRL since making his debut almost three years ago, playing in multiple roles before finally settling into the five-eighth position in 2023.
But with the potential exit of halfback Ben Hunt looming, the local junior could be in line to lead the famous Red V back to the promised land in his preferred No.7 jumper.
Hunt is expected to depart St George Illawarra in the coming weeks, with the skipper growing tired of the on-field struggles and off-field mismanagement that has crippled the club for over a decade.
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The 33-year-old told the media after the side's embarrassing 48-18 loss to the Warriors that he hopes to have an answer next week, before the Dragons take on rivals Cronulla in a must-win local derby, and backed the likes of Sullivan and Talatau Amone to lead the struggling franchise into the future.
“I’m really confident in those kids," Hunt said.
"We’ve seen glimpses of their talent and the things that they can do, it’s really special.
"It’s gonna take a bit of maturity and growing up and learning a bit more about their game, but they’ve definitely got it."
Jayden Sullivan ready for next step in NRL evolution
After coming through the lower grades with plenty of hype, Sullivan has struggled to lock down a permanent role in the first grade lineup for the Dragons.
The Wests Devils junior has played 25 games to date for the club, spending time in the halves, at hooker and coming off the bench in a utility role.
But with a door potentially opening to steer the ship, Sullivan believes he is more than ready for the challenge to lead the Dragons alongside his close mate Amone.
“Obviously I want to play in the seven and Dozer [Hunt] knows that as well... he’s doing everything he can to keep me out of that position too," Sullivan said.
"Two doesn’t go into one and three doesn’t go into two with Juns as well. Whatever happens, happens and if he’s there, I’m still licking my lips too because I get to learn off him.
"I’m in a win-win situation… I was on the other end of the stick last year where I wasn’t in the team and I did kick stones briefly. I feel like I’m in the team now and trying my hardest every week.
“We’re two very confident kids – we’re not really kids anymore, we’ve played a fair bit of first grade now. I feel like that’s something that we’d be willing to do, but at this moment in time, Dozer is still in our team and whether that happens or not has nothing to do with me.
"I’m just here to play footy every week and I feel like I’m playing alright footy."
Sullivan struggled with hamstring issues for a large chunk of 2022, while also dealing with an AC joint injury earlier this season, but told The Sporting News in pre-season his body was feeling better than ever.
Despite the side struggling at the bottom of the ladder and letting down their home fans at WIN Stadium in Round 17, Sullivan believes his own personal performances have grown in recent times - particularly without the ball.
“I’m just backing myself and backing my ability," he said.
"I had a lot of injuries last year… last year, I was going into games thinking, 'Am I really sweet to play?' and second-guessing myself. The more first grade games I play, I’m getting more confident.
"I have a little thing to myself that every second-rower I verse, I’m gonna try win my one-on-one battles. [Marata] Niukore got it over me tonight, but it's onto next week they’ll have a good back-rower and I’ll try win my one-on-one battle in defence.
"That’s one thing I’m really working on is my defence, and playing in the middle helps me… if I play in the middle, I’m only gonna tackle big boys."
Jayden Sullivan credits Ben Hunt for recent form
Sullivan's turnaround in form is equal-parts hard work and guidance, with the speedster learning the ropes from a 16-time QLD Maroons representative in the halves.
Hunt has always been a major supporter of Sullivan - even during the young star's own release request last year - and has helped nurture him into a quality first grader.
“He’s taught me so much behind the scenes – he’s just teaching me how to be a footballer off the field as well," Sullivan said.
"Going into Magic Round, he was my roomie and I’ve said this before, but I never go to bed before 8.30 and Dozer was already in bed. Preparation is a massive thing in NRL and I’m living by myself now and that’s a bit hard.
"I bought a house and I only just got my licence back too, so it’s been a bit different. My preparation is one thing he has been really hard on me… I’ve gotta go to sleep at 8.30 before every game.
“He was close to the Dally M last year and he’s one of the best halfbacks and hookers in the game. He’s going to teach me a lot of things, not just on the football field but especially off it.
"He’s got a beautiful family and two young kids and I love them with all my heart as well.
“He’s a competitor and he competes for 80 minutes. He played Origin two days ago and he’s backing up and playing for us. He’s a real team-first player and all the boys want to play with him and we all want him to stay.
"At the end of the day, that’s out of our hands and we’ve got to start winning games and hopefully we can change his mind."
Sullivan registered two try assists on Friday night in Wollongong and has relished from an extended run in the starting side, and is set to receive a fresh set of eyes in the coaching ranks following the appointment of Shane Flanagan.
