{"id":558765,"date":"2026-03-23T09:26:24","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T09:26:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/558765\/"},"modified":"2026-03-23T09:26:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T09:26:24","slug":"jake-trbojevic-is-unlikely-to-play-on-this-is-why-he-still-so-important-to-manly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/558765\/","title":{"rendered":"Jake Trbojevic is unlikely to play on. This is why he still so important to Manly"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Christian<\/p>\n

March 23, 2026 \u2014 7:30pm<\/p>\n

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To appreciate what Jake Trbojevic brings to Manly in what is shaping as his final year at the Sea Eagles, you only have to look back to a play late in the round one clash against Canberra<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Trbojevic\u2019s biggest asset is his ability to act as the middle serviceman \u2013 the lock forward who quickly assesses what the defensive line is doing, then decides whether to run the ball or spread it quickly to Luke Brooks on the left or new halfback Jamal Fogarty on the right.<\/p>\n

\"JakeJake Trbojevic takes a breather at Manly training on Monday.Dominic Lorrimer<\/p>\n

With Manly mounting an almighty late fightback against the Raiders, <\/a>Trbojevic jumped in at first receiver, making sure Tolu Koula got the ball for the centre to race downfield before setting up a try for Fogarty.<\/p>\n

The 32-year-old Trbojevic has also been getting through a mountain of defence, producing some trademark bruising tackles against Newcastle in round two.<\/p>\n

Trbojevic\u2019s future has become a big talking point, with some suggesting he should call time on his career at the end of the season.<\/p>\n

Trbojevic must decide by round ten whether to take up an option for 2027. Sources with knowledge of the situation not authorised to speak publicly confirmed Trbojevic was leaning towards retiring.<\/p>\n

Trbojevic suffered a string of head knocks last season, but there are no concerns over his health if he plays on. Nor are there any expectations on him to play 80 minutes nor run for more than 100m a game \u2013 both of which he regularly did a decade ago.<\/p>\n

The club legend is simply focused on sealing the club\u2019s first win of the season, against the returning Daly Cherry-Evans<\/a> and the Sydney Roosters on Thursday night.<\/p>\n

Related Article\"Daly<\/a><\/p>\n

Jake\u2019s brother and Manly captain Tom Trbojevic said comment pieces urging him to retire were disappointing, unjust, \u201cand simply not fair\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a very important part of this team,\u201d Tom told this masthead on Monday.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s without a doubt our best defender, his line speed, his intent in contact, it\u2019s second to none. It\u2019s always been one of his strengths, and that hasn\u2019t changed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe way he gets the ball to our outside men is also a really important role.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s captained his club, he\u2019s captained NSW<\/a>, the boys look up to him, and he inspires them to be better \u2013 which is what you need.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can definitely see him playing on. It\u2019s his decision, but what he\u2019s done for this club, and the way he continues to give it his all, if he wants to keep going, he\u2019s entitled to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"VeteranVeteran lock forward Jake Trbojevic still plays a key role at the Sea Eagles.Dominic Lorrimer<\/p>\n

Trbojevic did not expect Cherry-Evans to be heckled at 4 Pines Park when he returns in the Roosters\u2019 red, white and blue.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll always be a club legend here, and while I won\u2019t tell the hill what to do, you\u2019d like to think he won\u2019t get booed,\u201d Trbojevic said. \u201cHe\u2019s moved on. We\u2019re not going out to beat \u2018Chez\u2019, we\u2019re going out to beat the Roosters.\u201d<\/p>\n

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