Jake Trbojevic has long been considered the spiritual core of the New South Wales team.
But with the State of Origin opener looming, the Blues captain’s spot in the starting side is under serious threat, and not everyone thinks he should be there at all.
Trbojevic’s form at club level has wavered this season, and after a muted role in last year’s series, where he captained from the front row but saw limited minutes, some pundits are questioning whether Laurie Daley can justify picking him again.
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Jake Trbojevic loved by all, but is that enough?
“It’s a good headache, but I don’t think it’s a migraine,” James Hooper said on NRL 360, acknowledging the dilemma Daley faces. “I love Jake, he’s an absolute lionheart of a player for Manly and has never let NSW down… but I don’t think you can pick him on current form.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by many. Dave Riccio pointed out the emotional weight Trbojevic carries, but was equally firm: “The game loves Jake Trbojevic, everybody does, but you’ve got to pick the best team. And the best pack, unfortunately, I don’t believe includes Jake.”
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There’s no question about Trbojevic’s impact on team culture, he’s described as selfless, vocal, and dependable. Gorden Tallis compared him to Origin stalwarts like Gary Larson and Nate Myles.
“It’s always team first, there is nothing selfish about them… Jake will make 35 tackles in the middle, he doesn’t miss, he hits and sticks.”
But Origin is rarely a loyalty game. And with other contenders like Mitchell Barnett and Spencer Leniu banging down the door, Trbojevic’s name no longer picks itself.
As Braith Anasta put it: “They’ve got enough creativity in the team… if he’s good for the team bus and environment, and he leads off the field, he gets the job done. But can you carry him just for that?”