To appreciate what Jake Trbojevic brings to Manly in what is shaping as his final year at the Sea Eagles, you only have to look back to a play late in the round one clash against Canberra.
Trbojevic’s biggest asset is his ability to act as the middle serviceman – the lock forward who quickly assesses what the defensive line is doing, then decides whether to run the ball or spread it quickly to Luke Brooks on the left or new halfback Jamal Fogarty on the right.
With Manly mounting an almighty late fightback against the Raiders, Trbojevic jumped in at first receiver, making sure Tolu Koula got the ball for the centre to race downfield before setting up a try for Fogarty.
The 32-year-old Trbojevic has also been getting through a mountain of defence, producing some trademark bruising tackles against Newcastle in round two.
Trbojevic’s future has become a big talking point, with some suggesting he should call time on his career at the end of the season.
Trbojevic must decide by round ten whether to take up an option for 2027. Sources with knowledge of the situation not authorised to speak publicly confirmed Trbojevic was leaning towards retiring.
Trbojevic suffered a string of head knocks last season, but there are no concerns over his health if he plays on. Nor are there any expectations on him to play 80 minutes nor run for more than 100m a game – both of which he regularly did a decade ago.
The club legend is simply focused on sealing the club’s first win of the season, against the returning Daly Cherry-Evans and the Sydney Roosters on Thursday night.
Jake’s brother and Manly captain Tom Trbojevic said comment pieces urging him to retire were disappointing, unjust, “and simply not fair”.
“He’s a very important part of this team,” Tom told this masthead on Monday.
“He’s without a doubt our best defender, his line speed, his intent in contact, it’s second to none. It’s always been one of his strengths, and that hasn’t changed.
“The way he gets the ball to our outside men is also a really important role.
“He’s captained his club, he’s captained NSW, the boys look up to him, and he inspires them to be better – which is what you need.
“I can definitely see him playing on. It’s his decision, but what he’s done for this club, and the way he continues to give it his all, if he wants to keep going, he’s entitled to.”
Trbojevic did not expect Cherry-Evans to be heckled at 4 Pines Park when he returns in the Roosters’ red, white and blue.
“He’ll always be a club legend here, and while I won’t tell the hill what to do, you’d like to think he won’t get booed,” Trbojevic said. “He’s moved on. We’re not going out to beat ‘Chez’, we’re going out to beat the Roosters.”
