4 days ago
Major Jake Trbojevic concern in heavy defeat to Raiders as DCE falters again
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Canberra have returned to the top of the ladder as they zero in on a first minor premiership in 35 years, with a 28-12 win over Manly on Friday night.
But for Manly, it painted a far grimmer picture, slipping further out of the finals race, down in 10th place and likely needing to win their remaining games to be playing finals footy in September.
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And to make matters worse, they will have to do so at least next week without pack leader Jake Trbojevic, who was badly concussed trying to tackle a rampaging Josh Papali'i.
Due to it being classified as a category one, the veteran forward will be required to at least sit out next weekend's game against the Tigers.
But the latest head knock is also cause for concern for his welfare. It is his third failed HIA since April and his second in three weeks, and it could lead to an even longer stint on the sidelines.
His brother Tom was one of the first to react to his latest concussion, telling him to get off the field as he struggled to stand up.
'Jake, get off the field,' Tom could be heard saying as Jake tried to shake it off before listening to his brother and trudging off.
You can watch the latest Trbojevic head knock in the player above.
Jake Trbojevic suffered yet another concussion as DCE faltered again. Image: Kayo/Getty
There is a different kind of concern for his brother Tom, who continues to struggle to make an impact on the game.
In his first game back at fullback, Tom tried to insert himself throughout but failed to produce his trademark tackle-breaking skills.
While he crossed early after latching onto a Tolu Koula kick, with the ball, he wasn't able to bust the line open with speed and power, something he was renowned for in years past.
He also missed Ethan Strange badly when the Raiders prodigy scored his second and again for his third try.
With Lehi Hopoate likely back next week, Tom may return to the centres again.
But the bigger question is whether he is a viable starting option anymore, with his body clearly continuing to hinder his performance.
One for Anthony Seibold to ponder long and hard about.
Tom Trbojevic failed to make a meaningful impact in his return to fullback.. (Photo by)
DCE outshone, Jamal Fogarty call looks better by the day
Manly also got a taste of life beyond Daly Cherry-Evans with Jamal Fogarty's elite kicking game on full display.
Fogarty had a try assist early on for Strange and took control of the game when Kaeo Weekes was in the sin bin, twice smartly kicking for touch to slow the game.
The 31-year-old half now has 19 try assists in 2025, and his kicking will be integral to Canberra's march towards the premiership.
While DCE struggled to make an impact.
Jamal Fogarty (right) was a standout performer on Friday night. (Photo by)
The veteran half-back's game was riddled with errors on Friday night as Father Time appears to be catching up with the Queensland great as every month goes by.
The decision to replace him with Fogarty next season, while controversial, appears to be the right move based on what was on show on Friday night.
The Sea Eagles had 55 per cent of possession and several attacking sets on the Raiders' goal line -including 10 minutes with a man advantage - but DCE nor Trbojevic could unlock the defence.
It all bubbled over at the end after Trbojevic delivered a pass behind the veteran halfback, which he dropped, with DCE seen fuming at the star fullback.
Daly Cherry-Evans has had a worrying dip in form in 2025. (Photo by)
But it was DCE's continued decline that caused most concern among Manly fans.
'DCE's decline towards retirement wasn't exactly what I expected. Get slower and have a less effective running game? Sure. But the decline of his defence has been pretty extreme,' one fan wrote.
'Do Roosters fans actually want DCE? He's been a great player but it looks like its time to hang em up imo,' another wrote.
While a third said: 'It's actually sad watching this DCE decline. Happening so much faster and worse than I imagined'.
Father Time is undefeated.
– with NewsWire
Originally published as Major Jake Trbojevic concern in heavy defeat to Raiders as DCE falters again
