The greatest masculine player, the fans are ecstatic about his injury return…
In a bold move to put an end to the previous Dally M winner’s injury problems, Manly will switch Tom Trbojevic from fullback to center for their match against North Queensland the following week.
Since sustaining a hamstring injury against the Dolphins seven weeks ago, Trbojevic has been out of action.
In an effort to lessen the strain on Trbojevic’s body, the 27-year-old will play center for the first time in eight years when he returns against the Cowboys.
For a while now, there had been talk about Trbojevic moving to the center. Trbojevic has a lengthy history of injuries. A pectoral issue kept him out of the game for much of the previous season, and a shoulder condition had him out of action for months in 2022.
Given that Trbojevic suffered ailments in 2019, 2020, 2021, and the 2023 preseason, his hamstrings have been a particular source of worry. Over the course of his career, he has experienced six hamstring strains.
The Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold stated last week, “We have tried to be as objective as possible.”
“We’ve looked at all the GPS data to see whether there is anything that is a real outlier with regards to the contrast or comparison between the two positions [fullback and centre],” Seibold stated.
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Trbojevic is accustomed to the center. In addition to winning the Dally M award for NRL player of the year in 2021, he was named the best player in the State of Origin series and received the Wally Lewis Medal. It was a tremendous season for him.
He has also held that role for Australia for a while.
But for Seibold, it’s a big step to leave fullback. Since 2017, Trbojevic has been the team’s first-choice goalie, and he has performed at his best when in that role.
Trbojevic passed a fitness test on Saturday and was given the all-clear to return.
It’s unclear who will replace Manly’s injured fullback. In recent weeks, rookie Lehi Hopoate has shown promise at the position with his work ethic and timing while attacking, and centers Reuben Garrick and Tolu Koula have also seen action at the back.
The next Saturday night in Townsville, Manly will play North Queensland.
