Tom Trbojevic’s return from injury could be delayed beyond next week with Des Hasler warning that not even the superstar fullback can fix Manly’s horror start.
The Sea Eagles’ nightmare opening month slipped to a new low on Thursday night, with their 46-6 flogging from Penrith their biggest-ever loss at Brookvale.
Manly’s start is now the worst in their 74-year history in both attack and defence, having scored just 34 points and conceded 156.
Trbojevic has been deeply missed in that 0-4 start to the year.
He had initially hoped to be back by Round 4 after his high-profile hamstring injury just before the season, but Hasler later pushed that out to Round 5.
But the Manly coach now says Trbojevic won’t be rushed back, opting against a definitive answer when asked if the No.1 would run out against the Warriors.
“We’re exploring that (coming back next week), but that’s not going to fix it,” Hasler said.
“He’s not going to do anything to make us hang onto the ball.
“It’s not a decision that we’re going to rush.”
Trbojevic has played just one game since hurting his other hamstring in Round 6 last year, at a time where Manly were pushing for a top-four spot.
Since that day last June, the Sea Eagles have won just three of 18 matches, having conceded 40 points or more in seven of those games.
It’s one of several issues for the club this year, who are doing themselves no favours by completing at just 71 per cent with ball in hand.
“We were just not in the game (against Penrith),” Hasler said.
“Just turning the ball over, you’re not in the game with that kind of discipline with the ball.
“It’s just basic fundamentals all over, controlling possession.
“We’re a bit bent out of shape, more injuries to contend with. But we’ll keep turning up and do what we’ve got to do.”
Manly also face more issues in the second row, with Morgan Boyle dislocating his shoulder in Thursday night’s loss.
He joins fellow back-rowers Andrew Davies, Curtis Sironen and Haumole Olakau’atu in the casualty ward, while centre Moses Suli also copped a knee to the back.
© AAP
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