Teammates respond amid ugly claims around Tom Trbojevic ahead of NRL return

Yahoo

24-04-2025

Tom Trbojevic's teammates have slapped down claims they are overly reliant on the fullback ahead of his return this weekend against the Panthers, with Lehi Hopoate defending the squad. Trbojevic has missed the last three weeks of footy for Manly with the team losing all three games to see them drop out of the eight.
Trbojevic injured his knee in the win over the Eels at Brookvale in round four and will return this weekend against the Panthers in a timely boost for the Sea Eagles. And the numbers show the fullback is a major boost for the side.
Since the start of 2020, Manly have won 40 of 66 games when Trbojevic has played. This results in a 60.6 per cent win rate. When he doesn't play they only win 35.6 per cent of the time. During the last five years of NRL action, if a team has recorded a 60.6 per cent win rate across a season they would have finished within the top eight.
The team's attack also averages 10 more points a game when Trbojevic is named in the No.1 jersey. However, while the numbers do favour a massive boost for Manly when their superstar fullback returns, Trbojevic has struggled for consistency in 2025. Manly have played five of their seven games at Brookvale this year and have defeated the Eels, Raiders and Cowboys.
But even with Trbojevic they lost to the Warriors on the road. His injury also came at a time when Manly were entering a tough run of fixtures as they went down to the Storm, Sharks and Dragons without him. Trbojevic has also failed to finish two of the four games he has featured in this season with his fitness a major concern. And while deputy fullback Hopoate claimed Trbojevic's return from injury early is a boost, before their bye in Magic Round, the winger claimed his absence can't be an excuse for their recent form.
"We don't have that mindset," Hopoate said, who will shift back to the wing amid Trbojevic's return. "Even when Turbo doesn't play, our team has full confidence in whoever puts the jersey on. Whatever position you play, go all in and focus on your job. Do the little things right."
Manly prop Siua Taukeiaho echoed Hopoate's sentiment and claimed while Trbojevic's return enhances the team, it's on everyone to step up after a drop off in form. "Having Turbo back, having his leadership and his experience, I feel like we can be a lot more dominant," he said.
"(But) it's not on Turbo (to fix the slump), there's a lot of players that take ownership for some of those plays - it comes down to some of our errors or penalties. That's something we're still working on to fix."
Trbojevic's fitness still remains a pivotal part of Manly's top eight chances with the club slipping out of contention across the last three weeks. A loss against the Panthers could see Manly slip to down to 14th, which would only pile on the pressure after the Daly Cherry-Evans saga.
And while one Trbojevic brother is back, another will sit out the game. Jake Trbojevic was concussed in the loss to the Dragons last week and was taken from the field after stumbling when returning to his feet. Unfortunately for Manly, Trbojevic will sit out the game due to the NRL's concussion protocols.
Manly also play Penrith at the wrong time. The reigning champions won a crucial game against the Roosters last week having piled on 40 points handing a boost of confidence for Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards. There were suggestions the Roosters have played Penrith back into form.
But working in Manly's favour is Penrith's record at CommBank Stadium. The Panthers have lost four of their last five on the quick surface and Trbojevic could be primed for a huge return if he is able to take advantage of an inconstant Panthers side.