He’s one of the most celebrated fullbacks of his generation—perhaps, all time—but, as rumoured last week, the immediate playing future of Manly’s Tom Trbojevic will be in the centres.
Speaking at club training on Monday, Trbojevic confirmed the positional shift, which will take effect for Friday night’s clash with the Wests Tigers at 4 Pines Park in Brookvale.
When asked about the move, 28-year-old Trbojevic was at his measured and diplomatic best, saying he is happy to take the advice of those around him at the Northern Beaches club where he’s played his entire NRL career, since debuting back in 2015.
But it’s understood the 160-game club legend was surprised with the move that was ultimately driven by Anthony Seibold’s coaching staff and outlined at a mid-season performance review last week.
MORE: Michael Ennis labels Sea Eagles succession rumours 'inappropriate'
“I suppose it would be a little bit of a hit to the ego,” Gorden Tallis said on NRL 360 on Monday night.
“That (fullback) was his position, he’s arguably one of the best fullbacks to ever grace the footy field.
“But I think with the injuries that he’s had, and the way (Lehi) Hopoate is playing, it may have forced their hands a little bit.”
As glittering as Trbojevic’s 106-try NRL career has been for the Sea Eagles, it has also been heavily impacted by injury.
Trbojevic has featured in 71 games since 2020, but during the same period he has missed 65.