Captaincy call: Turbo knows brother would like his job
Scott Bailey |
Tom Trbojevic admits his brother Jake could rightfully feel disappointed about being overlooked as Manly captain, with the fullback instead handed the top job.
Tom was unveiled as the Sea Eagles’ new skipper earlier this week, replacing Daly Cherry-Evans and becoming the first Manly junior to lead the club in 13 years.
Jake had for a long time appeared the man most likely to take over from Cherry-Evans, after being Manly’s spiritual leader for the past decade.
The 31-year-old first captained Manly in 2016 when Jamie Lyon was struck down by injury, and has filled in for Cherry-Evans when available since.
But questions remain over the off-contract lock’s future, after a series of head knocks this year ended his 2025 season early.
Tom Trbojevic has also been Manly’s most important player for the past seven seasons, with his fitness and form at the back often a barometer of the Sea Eagles’ success.
Tom insists it did not make things awkward with his brother, but conceded there could be some mixed feelings.
“For Jake that would be something he probably would have liked to do if we talk to him,” the new skipper said.
“And he rightfully can be disappointed about that.
“But he’s really happy for me, and happy that I get to do it and that he gets to be by my side when I do it.
“Anyone would want to be captain of this great club, he’s a very proud Manly guy as well.”
Jake is due back at training on Monday, as he plots his return to the NRL after suffering his third head knock of 2025 in early August.
Manly had opened talks with the older Trbojevic about a new deal prior to that, but any decision on his future is likely to be on hold until he returns from concussion.
“Obviously the way he finished last year with his head was disappointing for him, and it’s something he has had to manage,” Tom said.
“But he feels good, he will get back into training, he’ll see where he’s at.
“I don’t think he has made a decision on what he is going to do post next year, but he’s got time to do that.”
Tom also insisted he would have no issue finding his voice and pulling teammates into line, despite he and Jake being regarded as two of rugby league’s nicest men.
The No.1 said he would draw upon previous Manly captains, including Jason King on his return to the club as CEO next year in place of Tony Mestrov.
The fullback’s appointment as captain could also be viewed as a nod from Manly and coach Anthony Seibold as to his importance to the club, after standing in for the role twice before.
Trbojevic has said he won’t play against Manly, but flirted with an England move during drawn-out talks this year before opting for a one-season extension for 2027.
“I’ve always wanted to stay here if Manly want me,” he said.
“I love this club and that has never changed. I haven’t really thought too deeply about what the captaincy does in the future.
“I was a kid that once admired some of the great captains here and some of the players here. To even play and now captain this great club is such an honour.”
Meanwhile, Manly re-signed hooker Jake Simpkin on a two-year deal on Wednesday, taking him through until the end of 2028.
AAP
