Latest news with #Trbojevic
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
He was the Blues' forgotten man. Now he's in line for a Kangaroos recall
Jake Trbojevic is on Kevin Walters' radar for the end-of-season Ashes series as the new Kangaroos coach braces for the defection of several frontline forwards. 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.'
The Age
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
He was the Blues' forgotten man. Now he's in line for a Kangaroos recall
Jake Trbojevic is on Kevin Walters' radar for the end-of-season Ashes series as the new Kangaroos coach braces for the defection of several frontline forwards. 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.'
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Turbo back at No.1 for Manly as Souths get boost
Manly have pulled the trigger with their season on the line and moved Tom Trbojevic back to fullback for their crunch away clash with Canberra. The Sea Eagles talisman had a stint at centre for the past five games but with Lehi Hopoate rested for "load management," the call was easy for coach Anthony Seibold. Manly, in 10th position, must reverse a two-game losing streak in the national capital on Friday night, and Trbojevic is a match winner when he plays No.1. "He's a world-class fullback, we've seen that for many years now. He's excited to be back at fullback and so are we," Manly winger Reuben Garrick said of the Trbojevic shift. "(Hopoate's absence) is just load management. He's been up for so many weeks now." South Sydney also received a boost in their away bottom-of-the-table showdown with Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon. Utility forward Brandon Smith (knee) returns on the bench as does hooker Peter Mamouzelos (concussion). Even better news for coach Wayne Bennett is the naming of Latrell Mitchell (quad) on the extended bench. Brisbane welcome the return of prop Payne Haas from a skin infection for their away wrangle with Melbourne on Thursday night. The hosts have been boosted by the inclusion of Queensland forward Trent Loiero at lock after he was rested last week. The Panthers travel to Newcastle on Friday night seeking a 10th win in a row and will have to do it without co-captain Isaah Yeo (shoulder), but they do get tough forward Scott Sorensen back on the bench from a leg injury. The Knights' hopes of springing an upset have been boosted by NSW centre Bradman Best (leg) returning for his first game since round 20. The Dolphins have named young gun Tevita Naufahu to replace star centre Herbie Farnworth (hamstring) in the home clash with the unchanged Sydney Roosters on Saturday night. Back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki also returns on the bench from a broken thumb. Canterbury half Lachlan Galvin has been named against the Warriors for Saturday night's fixture against the Warriors at Accor Stadium. With Galvin battling hand and ankle issues, Toby Sexton has been included on the extended bench and is an option if he is ruled out. The Warriors are hanging on to fourth position after two losses but their chances of a win have been enhanced with No.6 Chanel Harris-Tavita back from a calf injury. Prop James Fisher-Harris (calf) is also on the extended bench and could return. The cavalry has ridden back in for battling North Queensland as prop Jason Taumalolo (calf), five-eighth Jake Clifford (quad), centre Viliami Vailea (foot) and bench forward Thomas Mikaele (knee) all return for the away trip to Parramatta on Sunday. The Eels have promoted forward Kelma Tuilagi from NSW Cup and slotted Jordan Samrani into the centres to replace Sean Russell (broken hand). St George Illawarra will field an unchanged lineup in the derby showdown with Cronulla on Saturday afternoon. The Sharks get prop Toby Rudolf back from a concussion absence. Manly have pulled the trigger with their season on the line and moved Tom Trbojevic back to fullback for their crunch away clash with Canberra. The Sea Eagles talisman had a stint at centre for the past five games but with Lehi Hopoate rested for "load management," the call was easy for coach Anthony Seibold. Manly, in 10th position, must reverse a two-game losing streak in the national capital on Friday night, and Trbojevic is a match winner when he plays No.1. "He's a world-class fullback, we've seen that for many years now. He's excited to be back at fullback and so are we," Manly winger Reuben Garrick said of the Trbojevic shift. "(Hopoate's absence) is just load management. He's been up for so many weeks now." South Sydney also received a boost in their away bottom-of-the-table showdown with Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon. Utility forward Brandon Smith (knee) returns on the bench as does hooker Peter Mamouzelos (concussion). Even better news for coach Wayne Bennett is the naming of Latrell Mitchell (quad) on the extended bench. Brisbane welcome the return of prop Payne Haas from a skin infection for their away wrangle with Melbourne on Thursday night. The hosts have been boosted by the inclusion of Queensland forward Trent Loiero at lock after he was rested last week. The Panthers travel to Newcastle on Friday night seeking a 10th win in a row and will have to do it without co-captain Isaah Yeo (shoulder), but they do get tough forward Scott Sorensen back on the bench from a leg injury. The Knights' hopes of springing an upset have been boosted by NSW centre Bradman Best (leg) returning for his first game since round 20. The Dolphins have named young gun Tevita Naufahu to replace star centre Herbie Farnworth (hamstring) in the home clash with the unchanged Sydney Roosters on Saturday night. Back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki also returns on the bench from a broken thumb. Canterbury half Lachlan Galvin has been named against the Warriors for Saturday night's fixture against the Warriors at Accor Stadium. With Galvin battling hand and ankle issues, Toby Sexton has been included on the extended bench and is an option if he is ruled out. The Warriors are hanging on to fourth position after two losses but their chances of a win have been enhanced with No.6 Chanel Harris-Tavita back from a calf injury. Prop James Fisher-Harris (calf) is also on the extended bench and could return. The cavalry has ridden back in for battling North Queensland as prop Jason Taumalolo (calf), five-eighth Jake Clifford (quad), centre Viliami Vailea (foot) and bench forward Thomas Mikaele (knee) all return for the away trip to Parramatta on Sunday. The Eels have promoted forward Kelma Tuilagi from NSW Cup and slotted Jordan Samrani into the centres to replace Sean Russell (broken hand). St George Illawarra will field an unchanged lineup in the derby showdown with Cronulla on Saturday afternoon. The Sharks get prop Toby Rudolf back from a concussion absence. Manly have pulled the trigger with their season on the line and moved Tom Trbojevic back to fullback for their crunch away clash with Canberra. The Sea Eagles talisman had a stint at centre for the past five games but with Lehi Hopoate rested for "load management," the call was easy for coach Anthony Seibold. Manly, in 10th position, must reverse a two-game losing streak in the national capital on Friday night, and Trbojevic is a match winner when he plays No.1. "He's a world-class fullback, we've seen that for many years now. He's excited to be back at fullback and so are we," Manly winger Reuben Garrick said of the Trbojevic shift. "(Hopoate's absence) is just load management. He's been up for so many weeks now." South Sydney also received a boost in their away bottom-of-the-table showdown with Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon. Utility forward Brandon Smith (knee) returns on the bench as does hooker Peter Mamouzelos (concussion). Even better news for coach Wayne Bennett is the naming of Latrell Mitchell (quad) on the extended bench. Brisbane welcome the return of prop Payne Haas from a skin infection for their away wrangle with Melbourne on Thursday night. The hosts have been boosted by the inclusion of Queensland forward Trent Loiero at lock after he was rested last week. The Panthers travel to Newcastle on Friday night seeking a 10th win in a row and will have to do it without co-captain Isaah Yeo (shoulder), but they do get tough forward Scott Sorensen back on the bench from a leg injury. The Knights' hopes of springing an upset have been boosted by NSW centre Bradman Best (leg) returning for his first game since round 20. The Dolphins have named young gun Tevita Naufahu to replace star centre Herbie Farnworth (hamstring) in the home clash with the unchanged Sydney Roosters on Saturday night. Back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki also returns on the bench from a broken thumb. Canterbury half Lachlan Galvin has been named against the Warriors for Saturday night's fixture against the Warriors at Accor Stadium. With Galvin battling hand and ankle issues, Toby Sexton has been included on the extended bench and is an option if he is ruled out. The Warriors are hanging on to fourth position after two losses but their chances of a win have been enhanced with No.6 Chanel Harris-Tavita back from a calf injury. Prop James Fisher-Harris (calf) is also on the extended bench and could return. The cavalry has ridden back in for battling North Queensland as prop Jason Taumalolo (calf), five-eighth Jake Clifford (quad), centre Viliami Vailea (foot) and bench forward Thomas Mikaele (knee) all return for the away trip to Parramatta on Sunday. The Eels have promoted forward Kelma Tuilagi from NSW Cup and slotted Jordan Samrani into the centres to replace Sean Russell (broken hand). St George Illawarra will field an unchanged lineup in the derby showdown with Cronulla on Saturday afternoon. The Sharks get prop Toby Rudolf back from a concussion absence.
The Australian
29-07-2025
- Sport
- The Australian
NRL 2025: Tom Trbojevic rules out fullback switch for Manly
Sea Eagles superstar Tom Trbojevic has allayed any fears of a fresh injury and has confirmed all indications are that he will remain at right centre for the rest of the season as Manly looks to keep its finals hopes alive against the Roosters on Saturday night. On the same day that boom back-rower Haumole Olakau'atu suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, Manly fans held their breath as Trbojevic stayed down with a leg injury while being tackled during the loss to the Bulldogs. Tom Trbojevic suffered an injury scare against the Bulldogs on Sunday but is in no doubt for this weekend's game. Picture:'It was just a bit awkward and the knee started to tighten up a little bit. It was an awkward fall,' he said. 'I haven't actually watched it back but it looked a bit awkward. It was a bit ginger but I got up and felt all right, which is good. 'It feels good now and I was able to play the rest of the game.' There was a huge sense of relief at Allianz Stadium as he played on, with the former Dally M Medal winner moving as well as he has all year. Trbojevic set up his side's only try and had some strong carries but was found out defensively a couple of times in his new role in the centres. The Sea Eagles were 3-0 with him in that position before Sunday's loss, and he isn't expecting to return to fullback this year despite calls for him to move there, with Lehi Hopoate to remain in the No.1 jersey as they fight for a finals spot. 'My indication is that I will stay there, yes,' he replied at his former primary school ahead of NSW Public Education Week starting next Monday. 'I still feel like I have been able to do what I do best and that is move around the field and play footy. It obviously wasn't our best performance on the weekend, mine included. I just have to reflect on that and get better and move forward, but feeling good. Bronson Xerri got the better of Trbojevic a few times on Sunday. Picture:'It's just a different position, you have to learn new things. Obviously, defensively it's a lot different, but I just have to learn it. 'There are challenges in both of them. As a fullback, you have a bit more freedom. I have watched a lot of the game and I have played it before, so it's not something I'm too unfamiliar with. I just have to keep getting better. 'I've moved there, so my focus is on being there and being the best version of myself there. 'It's like anything, if you go move to do a different role in a job, if you're thinking I'm not going to be here full time, I'll move onto other things, then you're not going to perform the job well.' With his focus on performing well in his new role, Trbojevic has not paid any attention to speculation over his future. The rep star has another year to run on his deal, as does his brother, Jake, but the pair are in no rush to sign what appears to be an inevitable extension with the club they grew up supporting. Jake and Tom Trbojevic are expected to sign new deals beyond 2026. Picture:'That's not my focus at all,' Tom said. 'We've got six weeks left in the comp and that's where my focus is at. I'll sort that all out in the off-season, so I'm not focused on it.' Jake is also off contract at the end of 2026 and it seems a fait accompli that he'll sign a new deal to finish his career at Manly. 'We've got another year and a bit and I'm getting to the back end of my career, so it's not really a rush,' the veteran lock said. 'It's not like we're really going to go anywhere else, is it? 'We'll see how it plays out, but it's not a focus at all. Where we are at the moment in the season, we need to focus on playing well and getting some more wins. 'It'll all work itself out, so I'm not rushing.'
Sydney Morning Herald
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
The grim stat which shows why Manly must move Tom Trbojevic back to fullback
'It's at that critical stage where Manly can't afford to drop many more games. Lehi holds his spot, he goes back to the wing, and Tom has to go to fullback.' Trbojevic's brother Jake insisted Tom was more than holding his own in the centres, especially defensively, but agreed fullback was his natural position. 'He brings a lot of talk and confidence and a lot of energy when he's back there,' Jake said. Trbojevic, 28, was a crowd favourite with the kids at his old primary school in Mona Vale on Tuesday, where Tom, Jake and Ben Trbojevic were on hand to celebrate next week's Public Education Week. He said the main difference playing in the centres had been the heavier defensive workload. 'I'm doing what's best for the team,' Trbojevic said. 'That's where they want me, I'll go out there and try to put my own spin on it and play the best footy I can. 'It was tough on the weekend against the Dogs. We didn't have any field position, and you don't want to be reactive based on one game. I've said I'm happy to stay in the centres and nothing has changed.' The Sea Eagles and Roosters are on the edge of the top eight, and victory is vital for both clubs at what will be an eighth sellout in 10 games at 4 Pines Park this season. Manly skipper Daly Cherry-Evans is expected to link with the Roosters next year, but Jake Trbojevic gave a wry smile when asked about the potential move. 'We actually don't know,' Trbojevic grinned. 'He definitely doesn't want to tell us, so I won't even bother asking.' Loading Tom looked troubled by a knee complaint late against the Dogs, but said he was in no doubt, while his good mates and Roosters' No.1 James Tedesco, the Dally M favourite, 'had been the best player in the comp by a country mile' this season.
