He was the Blues' forgotten man. Now he's in line for a Kangaroos recall
After captaining NSW to an Origin series win in 2024, the Manly skipper was overlooked by Laurie Daley for this season's series defeat – but Trbojevic's big-game experience and past performances in the green and gold have not been forgotten by Walters.
The expected defection of Payne Haas and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui to join Spencer Leniu in representing Samoa, and with Stefano Utoikamanu considering pledging allegiance to Tonga – means four front-rowers involved in this year's Origin series will be unavailable for the Kangaroos' three-Test series in England. Mitch Barnett is also out with a season-ending knee injury.
Pat Carrigan, Lindsay Smith, Max King, Reuben Cotter, and Josh King are all in the Kangaroos mix, but coach Walters will have a close look at 31-year-old Trbojevic in the Sea Eagles' run home to the finals, starting with Friday's clash against ladder-leaders Canberra.
Trbojevic last played for Australia against New Zealand in Melbourne in 2023. Walters is expected to pick at least five specialist front-rowers in his 22-man squad.
'Jake has never let anyone down when he has played for Australia – we want 22 blokes ready to go, who want to play for their country, and Jake certainly fits that category,' Walters said on Thursday.
'I coached against him, and you know what you get with him. His tackling technique is so good – ask someone who has been hit by him, and they'll give you your answer.
'A person of his calibre and character is always important to a team. He's certainly in the mix. I feel like we have good depth in that area, including the guys who were there last year, like Patty and Lindsay Smith and Lindsay Collins, while there will also be players who jump out during the finals series.'
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News.com.au
37 minutes ago
- News.com.au
‘Not handling it well': Rugby league icon Ray Warren's sad revelation about retirement
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The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
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The Advertiser
5 hours ago
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