While Jake Trbojevic’s elevation into the Kangaroos squad may seem like a surprise for some, there are plenty of reasons why he and younger brother Tom are the prototypes for the perfect rugby league players.
Jake and Tom Trbojevic are the next biggest things on the Northern Beaches. They recently just signed extensions to their current contracts to stay at Manly, and are looking to be the core of the club’s future.
While both are still in their early 20s, plenty will tell you why they are so highly touted. I absolutely hate Manly like many other league fans, but I can’t help loving the work these two blokes do, and here is why you should keep an eye out for them next season.
Workrate
To be a good rugby league player, you need to have a high workrate, and these blokes have it in spades. On a constant basis Jake will make over 100 metres a game and rack upwards of 35 tackles, which is amazing especially for a young forward.
Tom at the back usually ends up with 150 plus metres and a number of tackle breaks, again great for someone so young.
Versatility
I think one of the things that got Jake into the Aussie Four Nations squad was his versatility. He is equally adept at playing in the front row and back row, which is such an important quality that not all players are able to do.
Similarly, Tom is a star at fullback, but can play on the wing or centres with ease, and has shown his quality in all three positions over his short career.
This not only gives coach Trent Barrett options at his disposal, but allows him to chop and change at a pinch if need be. Their best positions at the moment are lock and fullback respectively, but don’t be surprised to see them do a job in other parts of the field.
Leadership and humility
Jake has already had the coveted (c) next to his name on multiple occasions at only 22 years of age, which is an honour in itself. This guy, provided he stays at Manly, will be a fulltime captain in the next few years. He oozes leadership qualities, not only on the field with his work ethic and efforts, but also off the field.
One thing I really want to bring up is how good these guys are as people, not just as footballers.
It’s been well documented that the Trbojevics are a family that gives back to the community. They do their best in bettering their local Northern Beaches districts and love the Manly club as well.
So many times we see NRL stars making poor decisions off the field, and as such the media goes absolutely haywire, putting as many hits as they can on the code.
But the Trbojevics are a great example of how great people are in the rugby league community. They are always looking to do more for others, whether it’s signing jerseys, working with charities or for the Manly club itself, they’re there.
It takes true character and shows how well their parents have raised them, but rugby league needs more Trbojevic stories.
Manly fans, get excited. You have two quality footballers on your hands for the next few years looking to light up Brookvale, but most importantly, you have two quality humans lighting up the rugby league community as well.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
They impress me with the workrate.humility and must come from a decent stock.They come across as gentlemen,not overawed ,but appreciative of the opportunities afforded them. Should be more like them in the code and we wouldn't need an integrity unit. These guys somewhere in their careers, deserve a premiership ring.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
I don't know how fergo made the roosters side for most of the year , he played very poorly until the last few games when he was moved to fullback . I'd gladly see TT get a blues jumper ahead of him as he did SFA for the blues also.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Agree TB. Mitchell is certainly a talent. But Tom (who is only 8mths older) shades him in nearly every stat. And I think it's his ball playing ability which is most exciting. A direct result from having a full-time mentor in Snake who was one of the best ball playing fullbacks in the NRL. Similar to Munster, who has had Slater assisting him all year, you can see these two have come on in leaps and bounds in a short period of time. Mitchell still has a way to go, and was shifted from fullback late in the year after being somewhat disappointing. But it's great to have so many top youngsters coming through the ranks.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Yeah Jimmmy there certainly hasn't been much to cheer about on the northern beaches of late. But these guys certainly give fans a glimmer of hope.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Could always play him in the centres for NSW -- right centre is surely open for argument, and Jennings really didn't justify his spot either.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I agree te Dugan and Ferguson but from what I've seen so far Tom is streets ahead of Mitchell. He's a couple of years older but more consistent, ball plays better and makes more line breaks and try scoring opportunities.
MAX
Guest
nerval, Mansour aside, I agree with your learned opinion.
nerval
Guest
While both brothers seem like good blokes and talented players set fair for good careers, I'm surprised that they're rated quite so highly. Jake's ascension into the Kangaroos ranks as a replacement seems a little premature for me, while I'd class Tom as slightly behind the even younger Latrell Mitchell in terms of pure athletic or footballing talent. The latter, I think, has a higher ceiling and has scored some tries that remind me of a young Greg Inglis. Having said that, I'd prefer to see both Tom T and Mitchell right now in the Kangaroos centres/wing ahead of Ferguson, Holmes, Dugan and Mansour.
Jimmmy
Guest
Great to see these young guys doing so well EJ. I think the Sea Eagles can build their side around these two young fellas. They Both lead by example and are exceptionally talented. All fans need is hope of bettter days and with these guys you have that.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I hope so eJ. There just seems to be this massive show of loyalty for Ferguson. No idea why. Pre his year out of the game he looked like he could be anything but disappointing since. It's unbelievable he's playing in the test today.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Great read Andrew. It's nice to focus on the positives of the NRL sometimes which are often overlooked for the inevitable "headline" grabbing stuff. And the Trbojevic bros are certainly a positive. I loved the story the other day about Jake and his nickname "sorry". Always apologising after hitting someone with one of the best defensive techniques seen in a long, long time. Just a genuinely nice, shy guy who is as happy coaching the kids on the weekend as he is running out for a big game. And Tom really could be anything. Crazy to think he only turned 20 last week yet has already made such an impression. I know Mal looked at him for the Four Nations but he couldn't put off ankle surgery. To carry such an injury all year and still make an impact shows the guy not only has talent, but plenty of heart too. TB, I reckon he has the inside running over Ferguson for the Blues next year. Unless we see a significant reversal in form as Daley is a big fan.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Yeah, they come across as nice fellas. It's great that they've both committed to Manly. Jake is a very good player but Tom has the potential to be an international and Dally M winner (no pressure). I'd love to see the Blues take a punt on him on the wing next year but I'm sure Ferguson will have the inside running.