It was not an “awkward” conversation for Tom Trbojevic to inform his brother Jake about his appointment as captain, despite the star prop being a leader at Manly.
The exit of Daly Cherry-Evans left the Sea Eagles searching for a new skipper for the first time in eight years, with the Trbojevic brothers top candidates to take over.
While it was expected that Jake, who had filled in as captain several times in Cherry-Evans’ absence, would land the role, coach Anthony Seibold looked a different way.
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“It probably still hasn’t sunk in, it’s hard to put into words,” Tom said.
“When Seibs told me, it was such an honour and I was taken back a little bit. I was a kid that once admired some of the great captains here and some of the players here.
Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold celebrates with Tom Trbojevic. Getty
“To even play and now captain this great club is such an honour. I’m so privileged to have that name tag next to me and I just can’t wait to lead the boys out.
“I think with Jake, that would have been something that he probably would have liked to do if you talked to him and he’s likely going to be disappointed about that,” he continued after being asked about his brother’s reaction.
“I wouldn’t say it’s awkward by any means … he’s really happy for me.
“Anyone would want to be captain of this great club. He’s a very proud Manly guy as well.”
Tom is no stranger to stepping into the captaincy on occasion, but his appointment only further pointed to his brother’s uncertain future at Manly.
Jake has yet to ink an extension beyond 2026, with many concerned about the series of head knocks that cut his 2025 season short.
The Trbojevic brothers in action for the Sea Eagles. Getty
It remains unclear to his younger brother whether the prop will continue on in 2027.
“Obviously the way he finished last year with his head was disappointing for him, and it’s something he has had to manage,” said Tom.
“But he feels good, he will get back into training, he’ll see where he’s at.”
The Trbojevic brothers are regarded as two of the nicest people in the rugby league world, leaving some to question if they are the best fit to make bold calls as captain.
But Tom has made it clear that his new title will only see him be a little more direct.
“I don’t think it’s going to change me as the person and player I am,” he said.
“It is a responsibility that I am looking forward to. I’m quite easy-going and a light-hearted person, so I’m still having fun.
“But some things you pick up as a fullback you kind of need to be quite direct, so I’ve done a lot of that.”