NRL great James Graham has urged Jake Trbojevic to weigh up the “risk assessment” in continuing his career after a poor start to Manly’s season.
Trbojevic has long been the heart and soul of the Sea Eagles, with his passion and pride in the jumper matched by very few in the club’s storied history.
However, in recent times, Trbojevic has slowed down considerably and has also dealt with a series of head knocks that have raised question marks about his future.
READ MORE: PNG coaching job narrowed down to three
READ MORE: ‘Had enough’: Merrett saga continues after $1.2m offer
READ MORE: Bayern Munich forced to ask permission to play teen after 8pm
Trbojevic suffered three concussions last season and has since started wearing specialty headgear in a bid to minimise the impacts of contact, in the opening two games of the 2026 campaign.
Jake Trbojevic. NRL Images
While there is no evidence the headgear will prevent future concussions, the 32-year-old is leaving no stone unturned to continue playing for his beloved Sea Eagles.
The former NSW Blues and Kangaroos forward has re-signed for 2027 but has until round 10 to activate the new deal and wants to see how his body holds up before he commits.
“I just want to see how I go,” Trbojevic told AAP last week.
“Last year was a bit disappointing with how it all went. Obviously just getting knocked out every second week was disappointing.
“I want it to work for both parties. I was always going to play this year, so it doesn’t change anything.”
But with back-to-back losses and pressure mounting on Anthony Seibold, as well as the oldest Trbojevic brother due to his own form, time may not be on his side.
Graham – who has spoken at length about his own battles with concussions – admits it would be a “horrible situation” for one of the club’s favourite sons.
James Graham during the latter years of his career. AAP
“I genuinely feel for Jake Trbojevic,” he said on The Bye Round.
“He’s an amazing player and you would never question his effort, but I just wonder what that internal dialogue is like with himself on a day like today.
“He was the top tackler for Manly [in round two], so he’s willing to work hard and he’s not shirking any of the responsibility, but I remember playing against Jake, he was in your face and would carry right into the line and willing to take a knock.
“Jake is sitting there now and it becomes a risk assessment … you’d be naive to think Jake isn’t having that conversation at 0-2 to start the year.
Watch the 2026 NRL season live and free on Nine and 9Now.
“It’s a horrible situation to be in and poor Jake is having that chat with himself. There’s not many more likeable people that play with heart and passion like he does.
“I think you ask yourself the question: what’s the point? If you look at Ben Trbojevic, Haumole Olakau’atu or Taniela Paseka, they’re at Manly and probably aware that this year is not going well and doesn’t look like it’s gonna turn, but they can’t tap out.
“I remember asking myself what’s the point in this and looking at the risk assessment. When you’re losing every week, it makes it so much more difficult to turn up to training and put yourself through that, knowing especially having the history [of concussions].
“People talk about ‘never give up’ – but sometimes you’ve got to know.”
Jake Trbojevic leaves the field last season. Getty
Another player who struggled with the impact of head knocks late in their own career is three-time premiership winner Luke Keary.
During his final years with the Sydney Roosters, the champion playmaker admitted he struggled for the same level of confidence and is seeing a similar thing with Trbojevic.
“I know what that internal dialogue is, I’ve lived that period,” Keary said.
“You know what you used to be able to do and the lack of fear you had and you could just put your head anywhere and do anything you wanted and it’s not like that anymore.
“No matter how hard you tell yourself to go back to that, it’s very hard and difficult to get yourself there. I wore headgear those last couple of years and Jake’s doing the same, trying everything in your power to get your mind to do those things you could do when you were in your early-20s and didn’t have a care in the world.
Luke Keary during the 2024 season with the Roosters. Getty
“He’s earned the right to walk away whenever he wants and he will be remembered as one of the great Manly forwards … but only you can make that decision as a grown man.
“I think a report came out that he’s been offered a contract which he’s accepted, but he doesn’t have to activate it yet – 98 per cent of other players are activating that straight away, but he’s already said ‘let me see how I go’ and he will make the right decision.
“He’s the most unselfish person I have ever met and he will make the right decision for himself and for the club.”
Trbojevic has played 242 first grade games for the Sea Eagles after coming through from local club Mona Vale Roosters into the junior rep system and NRL squad.
However, he has struggled to keep up with the pace of the modern game and has been a non-factor in attack for the past couple of seasons.
In the round two loss against the Knights, he managed just three runs for 23 metres.
But according to Keary, the squad as a whole is lacking in the engine room.
“Jake’s obviously not playing where he wants to be or needs to be,” Keary continued.
Jake Trbojevic in action against the Knights. Getty
“But he’s also never been that player that can carry the pack and run for 200 metres – he needs some go-forward around him
“He’s a ball-player who can play with his middles and play with Tom [Trbojevic].
“He needs some guys around him and there’s not much there for them at the moment in terms of go-forward and power.”
Manly are without veteran prop Siosiua Taukeiaho and young lock Caleb Navale due to injury, while the likes of Toafofoa Sipley, Josh Aloiai and Matt Lodge all departed at the end of last year, with Kobe Hetherington the only forward signed to the top squad.