Anthony Seibold has announced Tom Trbojevic will replace Daly Cherry-Evans as the Manly Sea Eagles captain in 2026.

The 29-year-old has scored 111 tries in 170 games for Manly since his debut in 2015 and won the Dally M Medal in 2021, while he recently re-signed until the end of 2027.

Trbojevic beat brother Jake Trbojevic to the honour to replace long-time skipper Cherry-Evans, who has joined the Roosters on a two-year deal.

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“The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are proud to announce that Tom Trbojevic has been appointed Captain for the 2026 NRL season,” the club said in a statement.

Manly coach Seibold believes Trbojevic was the logical choice for the position.

“On the field he is an elite player who has a big influence on team performance,” Seibold 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 was humbled by the honour and excited to lead the club he loves in 2026.

“This means a lot to me, and I’m thrilled to take on the captaincy,” Trbojevic said.

“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.”

Trbojevic returned for pre-season training along with a handful of other players including new recruit, Jamal Fogarty who replaces Cherry-Evans in the No.7 jersey.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 27: Tom Trbojevic of the Sea Eagles runs the ball during the round 17 NRL match between Manly Sea Eagles and Wests Tigers at 4 Pines Park, on June 27, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

DALEY SET FOR BLUES PREP SHAKE-UP

Blues coach Laurie Daley is reportedly set to move NSW’s Origin preparation away from the Blue Mountains after a disrupted camp ahead of the 2025 series.

Ahead of the 2024 Origin series, former coach Michael Maguire took his squad to the Fairmont Resort in Leura and Daley followed suit after taking over as head coach.

However, heavy rain hampered their training at Blue Mountains Grammar School, with Daley now assessing his options in a bid to avoid a similar situation occurring in 2026.

Daley is reportedly considering taking the team’s camp to the south coast, central coast, Wollongong, Kingscliff and Melbourne, according to Code Sports.

The first game of the 2026 series will take place at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, and it remains to be seen if the Blues will remain in the city before the series opener.

The south coast, central coast, Wollongong could play host to the NSW side before Game I.

Then for the Game II at the MCG, Daley is reportedly seriously considering basing his side in Melbourne for at least a week instead of travelling days before the contest.

Kingscliff, on the NSW far north coast, could be their final destination ahead of Game III at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Daley has previously taken his teams to Kingscliff during his first tenure as Blues coach, while Brad Fittler also helps camps there.

NSWRL will reportedly made a decision regarding the locations of the Blues camps in the coming weeks.

NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley is considering moving his side’s camps ahead of the 2026 Origin series.Source: Getty Images

LEGEND’S BIG KATOA CALL

League legend Paul Gallen has called for those involved in Eliesa Katoa’s ugly head knock saga to earn life bans for their negligent handling of the situation.

While representing Tonga, the Storm back rower suffered three separate concussions, with the first coming in a head clash with Lehi Hopoate while warming up.

He was taken to hospital for emergency surgery following the incidents while Melbourne officials also announced he has been ruled out for the entire 2026 NRL season.

The NRL is reportedly finalising an investigation into the circumstances which landed Katoa in hospital and Gallen has called for Tongan medical staff to be sanctioned heavily.

“Anyone who has not done their job properly in this matter that has clearly let the player down should be sidelined for a minimum of a year at least, if not a life ban. It was ridiculous,” Gallen said to Nine Newspapers.

“I mean Eli is out for a year at least and in judicial cases that’s a factor, but this is much more serious.

“What happened to Katoa was a disgrace. And I’m one who thinks some of the penalties or action we see for accidental high contact is over the top. Often ridiculous. But not in this case.

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“We saw him KOd in a warm-up then somehow allowed to play. All players want to play. But they need to be protected from themselves at times. This is one of those times.”

Gallen also pointed to the fact Katoa’s NRL career could come to an end.

“How’s Katoa going to be in the next 10-20 years? No one yet has taken any responsibility for this. There’s now an investigation,” he said.

“Well, the NRL need to come down like a tonne of bricks on the person or those responsible and a year is the minimum ban. This could maybe cost him his career. But forget that, it could have cost him his life.

“We had the greatest 2025 season, and unfortunately, it will end like this. Someone needs to be held responsible.”