News just keeps getting better at Manly, with captain Jake Trbojevic agreeing to extend his time at the Sea Eagles.
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The 32-year-old had an option in his favour to play on in 2027 and said earlier in the month that he was a “definitely” leaning towards going around for one more year.
While Trbojevic had struggled earlier in the year, that seemed to be more of a symptom of the club’s woes as a whole with the lock forward thriving under new interim coach Kieran Foran.
Trbojevic celebrated his 250th game in Manly’s most recent home game against the Broncos and spoke glowingly about Foran on ‘NRL 360’ on Tuesday night.
“Obviously it has been a great turnaround from the club,” Trbojevic said.
“After the first three games we were very disappointed and since Foz has taken over we have been playing some really good footy, everyone’s confident and it’s been really enjoyable.
“Ever since Foz has taken over it has been great and everyone is confident and we are getting a lot of belief on the back of the great performances.
“That lifts the overall mood and as you know, how good is footy when you are doing well? And we are getting a lot of confidence on the back of it.”
Foran said in a club statement confirming Trbojevic’s extension that the skipper is “Manly through and through”
“He’s playing some really good footy, the boys love playing with him, so this is great news for the Club,” Foran said.
“I think he’s done an amazing job in Tom’s absence as captain, both on and off the field.
“Jake is everything that is good about this club, he is Manly through and through.”
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Jake Trbojevic has extended. Picture: Manly MediaSource: News Corp Australia
‘THAT STUFF BROKE DOWN’: SU’A OPENS UP ON IMPENDING EELS MOVE
Veteran Dragons forward Jaydn Su’A has ruled out a mid-season move to the Eels despite signing a three-year deal to join Parramatta in 2027 as he prepares to return to the starting side after serving a three-match ban.
Su’A has spent the past five seasons at the Dragons after stints with the Broncos and Rabbitohs, with the former Queensland representative to move to Parramatta when his Red V commitments are over.
There had been speculation that he could join them in the coming weeks given St George Illawarra won’t be playing finals footy, but he indicated on Wednesday that he would see out his final year at the club.
“There have been conversations in-house, but I’m here for the rest of the year,” he said.
“I just want to play my best and do whatever I can to help this club get some wins.”
The 28-year-old had been the club’s best player before he was suspended for a high shot on former teammate Cam Murray that led to him being sent off back in round seven.
The send off came a day after he officially signed with the Eels, with the edge star denying he made the decision to leave because of the young crop of forwards coming through at the club.
“I didn’t really ever think like that,” he said.
“I was in talks with the club early this year and obviously that stuff broke down, but at the end of the day when your time is done, it’s done.
Su’A signed a three-year deal to join Parramatta. Picture: Matt King/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“For me, it was time to look elsewhere and look for another opportunity. I’m thankful I got that, but at the end of the day, I’m here for the rest of the year and just want to go out there and put my best foot forward. I’ve been here for five years now, so I just want to go out and play.
“I was open (to staying). I’m coming to that age now where the next move I make is probably vital, but I know I’ve still got some good footy left in me.
“Things happen for a reason and that’s been done now, so as I said, I’m still here for another six months. I’ll do what I do and I’ll give my all like I always do.
“It’s been hard. I’ve been through a lot of dark days with this club, and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I’m not going to be here.
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“I’m grateful for my time here, thankful to all the people that have helped me along the way, and it is what it is.”
A lot has changed at the club since he last played with Shane Flanagan no longer the coach, but they remain winless under interim Dean Young who has named the back-rower at right centre with Moses Suli (back) out injured.
Su’A has been training there with the NSW Cup side and has filled in at centre in the past, with the veteran keen to get back on the field for Saturday’s game against the Warriors after a frustrating few weeks on the sidelines.
“It’s tough, but all I can do is rock up to training with a good attitude and prep the boys as well as I can,” he said.
“I couldn’t really do anything, so I just had to bide my time, train hard, and be ready for when I get called back in.”