The Manly Sea Eagles have announced that Tom Trbojevic will take on the role of captain for the upcoming season, succeeding Daly Cherry-Evans. Cherry-Evans, a premiership-winning player for Manly, was quick to congratulate Trbojevic upon hearing the news, expressing his pride in the young fullback’s new position. Trbojevic noted, “He just said it’s obviously a great honour and there’s nothing better than running out to a packed hill.”
The announcement is particularly poignant for the Trbojevic family, as Tom’s older brother, Jake Trbojevic, was also a strong contender for the captaincy. Jake has previously stepped in as captain when Cherry-Evans was unavailable. While Tom acknowledged that Jake might feel disappointed, he emphasized the supportive nature of their relationship: “He’s really happy for me and happy that I get to do it, and then he gets to be alongside me while I do it.”
Trbojevic Takes Pay Cut to Stay with Sea Eagles
Trbojevic’s captaincy comes shortly after he agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Sea Eagles, during which he accepted a pay cut of $400,000. This decision was made after challenging negotiations and reflects his commitment to the club. Despite a disappointing season last year, the focus for Trbojevic and his teammates is firmly set on returning to finals football.
As he steps into this leadership role, questions arise about Trbojevic’s captaincy style. When asked if he could assert himself when necessary, he humorously referred to himself as a “dictator,” before clarifying, “I’ll have a laugh and I’m quite easygoing, but some things you pick up as a fullback you kind of need to be quite direct.” His ability to balance camaraderie with leadership will be crucial as the Sea Eagles aim for a successful season.
Future Uncertainties for Teammates
While Trbojevic’s future appears stable, Jake’s prospects remain uncertain. The former New South Wales captain experienced a series of head injuries last season, raising concerns about his playing longevity. The Sea Eagles have paused any contract extension discussions with Jake until they assess his recovery and performance in the coming months. Trbojevic commented, “He feels good, he’s gonna obviously put it back into training, see where he’s at.”
The focus is also shifting to other teammates, including Reuben Garrick, who is out of contract after next season and has drawn interest from multiple clubs, including the Roosters. Tolu Koula holds an option for 2027, and Trbojevic’s decision to take a pay cut has facilitated the club’s ability to retain key players. He remarked, “I’m not telling anyone to [take pay cuts as well], but they’re both integral players and parts of our team.”
As the Sea Eagles prepare for the upcoming season, the dynamics within the team promise to be intriguing, especially with Cherry-Evans set to face his former club for the first time in round four. Trbojevic reflected on the change, stating, “It just looked weird… It’ll probably be a hyped-up week when we clash; everyone will be talking about it.”
With Trbojevic at the helm, the Sea Eagles look forward to navigating the season ahead, aiming to blend leadership with family ties and a commitment to the club’s legacy.
