\u201cYou just have to have him there, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/a><\/p>\nTrbojevic was happy to explain what was going through his mind when this masthead raised the five moments against the Dogs that could not be underestimated.<\/p>\n
Pinpoint passing<\/p>\n
Trbojevic rifled a lovely cutout ball for winger Jason Saab that allowed Manly to race up the field in the sixth minute, and score a minute later via Lehi Hopoate.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
He liked the fact that another NSW hopeful, Haumole Olakau\u2019atu, had drawn a few defenders the previous play, which left some Dogs backpedalling.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey were short on the short side after \u2018Shmole\u2019s\u2019 [Olakau\u2019atu\u2019s] run, so I jumped down there, played it flat and fast, spotted their winger [Jethro Rinakama] was a bit tight, so we got \u2018Saaby\u2019 on the outside of him,\u201d Trbojevic said.<\/p>\n
Stopping Curran<\/p>\n
Canterbury forward Josh Curran did not realise it was the last play when he charged at the line, only for Trbojevic to stop him.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Trbojevic is so tall that he rarely goes low in a tackle, but on this occasion he was always going to try and keep Curran upright. \u201cAll I had to do was get my hands around the ball,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Covering ground on the last<\/p>\n
Canterbury\u2019s first try came when Lachie Galvin dropped the ball onto his boot, and Stephen Crichton was able to score after a sliding Trbojevic was fooled by a wicked bounce.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Yes, Trbojevic did concede the try, but go back and watch how much ground he had to cover. He was involved in the previous tackle and had to start his run from the other side of the upright. It was impressive that he got as close to the action as he did.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew it was the last, I tried to pop out and get across, I tried to slide, but it popped up on me, which was unfortunate,\u201d Trbojevic said. \u201cPlay five, that\u2019s always a part of your job to get on your bike and get across.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kicking on point<\/p>\n
Not known for his kicking, Trbojevic realised he was going nowhere in the 68th minute, dropped the ball onto his left foot, and forced a dropout.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
It was pretty impressive considering Trbojevic is a right-footer.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t know I could kick it with my left foot either,\u201d a smiling Trbojevic said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe way they were defending, it opened up a little land for me. I\u2019ve kicked it a handful of times with my left. I actually had a try assist in an Origin game in Townsville. Maybe I should do it more.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stealing possession when it was most needed<\/p>\n
Canterbury charged downfield, and winger Enari Tuala was tackled by Trbojevic before he waited for Luke Brooks to pull out of the tackle, before stealing the ball. It was a big play considering it was 12-12, and the Dogs still had a few tackles left inside Manly\u2019s red zone.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cI had a good grip on the ball, and once Brooksy fell off, I had a go at it,\u201d he said. \u201cThe ball popped into the air, and I could tap it back to Tolu. It\u2019s not something you think of going into tackles.\u201d<\/p>\n
Trbojevic, 29, has repeatedly played down the Origin hype, but said he was prepared to do a job for the team if coach Laurie Daley calls upon him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was disappointed as anyone watching (NSW\u2019s 44-24 loss in) game two,\u201d Trbojevic said. \u201cOf course, I\u2019d love to play for NSW again. You want to see the Blues win. If they need me, I\u2019ll do whatever is needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
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![\"Christian](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/635402f1698dc5687fb8f98be5c093fe76cbc56f.png\")
Save<\/p>\n![\"Tom](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/536b743bd7382c1410902239f1c0cb8dc183f7c84e47df1597667fda58403ee6.jpeg\")
Tom Trbojevic was excellent in his comeback game last SaturdayNRL<\/p>\n