Trbojevic centre stage ahead of make-or-break month

Scott Bailey | July 16, 2025

Manly will hold off making any long-term declarations around Tom Trbojevic’s centre move, as the Sea Eagles brace for a make-or-break month ahead of the NRL finals.

Trbojevic trained at right centre again on Wednesday, after again being named in the No.4 jersey and with Lehi Hopoate at fullback in the team to face Melbourne.

The Sea Eagles had initially suggested Trbojevic’s centre move was a short-term sugar hit, designed at getting his confidence back before a return to fullback.

But Manly have won both games since moving Trbojevic into the line, with the 2021 Dally M Medallist getting his spark back while regularly popping up on both sides of the field in attack.

Coach Anthony Seibold indicated after Manly’s round-18 win over South Sydney he would consider where to play Trbojevic over last week’s bye.

Players on Wednesday said they expected the 28-year-old to remain at centre for now, but no long-term call has been made, with Manly’s focus firmly on Melbourne.

“He’s playing in the centres this week, so if we can keep winning I guess we will keep it that way,” five-eighth Luke Brooks said. 

“Hoppa is doing a great job out the back, but for the past two games Turbo has looked good in the centres. 

“We have seen what he can do at Origin and international level in the centres, so I think for now we will keep it.”

Manly are well aware of how crucial the next month is for them, with matches against the NRL’s top three teams and fellow finals contenders Sydney Roosters.

After Saturday’s clash with Melbourne, the Sea Eagles have Canterbury at Allianz Stadium, the Roosters at Brookvale and Canberra away before their draw opens up.

One potential boost is that Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans are fresher than expected after missing State of Origin. 

Haumole Olakau’atu is also due back in coming weeks, after returning to training from a shoulder injury.

Manly have at times looked like one of the NRL’s most dangerous teams this year, beating Canberra 40-12 in round three during a hot start to the season.

But they have also endured a poor middle part of the season, piling pressure on Seibold before the Trbojevic move and recent wins over Wests Tigers and Souths.

Brooks said Manly would know where they stood after the coming month. 

“It’s that time of year where you have to win games,” he said. 

“With where we are on the ladder there are a few teams on the same points or thereabouts. Every game is important from here on out.

“It obviously starts this week against Melbourne, you have rattled off some teams that are playing well. 

“But for us we just have to focus on how we get our best footy out, because when we do I think we can beat anyone in the comp.”