Manly has a new captain and the club chose a surprising venue to make the announcement: the carpark.
During the morning coffee run, Tom Trbojevic was named the replacement for Daly Cherry-Evans at the club’s Narrabeen training complex.
In socks, sandals and his Manly training kit, Trbojevic was clapped by his teammates and given a head rub from Jason Saab after coach Anthony Seibold announced the decision.
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Tom Trbojevic. Nine
Trbojevic was chuffed with his new title.
“This means a lot to me, and I’m thrilled to take on the captaincy,” he said, in a club statement.
“The next few months of pre-season will be tough but it’s an exciting time for all of us as we prepare for the new season.”
The Trobjevic decision marks a new era for Manly along with a new logo for the club’s 80th year. Former chief executive Tony Mestrov has also quit recently, replaced by former Manly prop Jason King.
Seibold said there were a number of good candidates but the representative star was the man to lead the club forward.
“On the field he is an elite player who has a big influence on team performance,” he said.
“Off the field, not only is he highly respected by his teammates but he is a highly regarded member of the Northern Beaches community.
“I know he’ll do a great job as captain.”
Trbojevic returned to training today alongside new recruit Jamal Fogarty.