Manly superstar Tom Trbojevic is a major doubt for the start of the NRL season after his hamstring issue was revealed to be a Grade 2 tear, ruling the former Dally M Medallist out for 6-8 weeks.
That will make him a major doubt for Round 1 of the 2023 NRL: though there is time for the hamstring to heal before the big kick-off, the time taken out of pre-season may leave the Sea Eagles’ star undercooked come the visit of the Bulldogs to Brookvale on March 4th.
There is also the substantial risk of reoccurrence, especially if Trbojevic is less than 100% ready for the rigours of week to week NRL. Manly has the bye in Round 2 before a blockbuster derby with Parramatta in Round 3, which might be a more realistic target.
The representative fullback was completing a series of drills when he limped off after slowing down at the end of a run on Wednesday. According to a NewsCorp report, Trobojevic was seen with his head in his hands after the incident.
He has been sent for scans and the Sea Eagles have their fingers crossed that it is not a serious injury.
“Tommy Turbo” only played a combined 19 games in 2019 and ’20 due to hamstring tears in each leg and missed the first month of the 2021 season after he said he slipped at home despite footage showing him racing a member of the public on the Manly Corso late at night the previous weekend.
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Trbojevic recovered to win the Dally M that year as Manly went within 80 minutes of a Grand Final berth.
Trbojevic has had a history of hamstring issues and underwent surgery earlier this year after reaggravating the problem in a round-four win over Canberra.
The Sea Eagles No.1 only returned for three more games before a shoulder injury ended his season against Parramatta in May.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
He underwent surgery to repair the damage and not only missed the rest of the NRL season but was unavailable for Australia’s World Cup campaign.
Manly have undergone plenty of turmoil off the field recently with veteran coach Des Hasler sacked with a year remaining on his contract, replaced by former Souths and Broncos mentor Anthony Seibold, whose own start to the off-season was delayed due to his previous role as an assistant coach to the England rugby team.
The difference in Manly’s fortunes without the 2021 Dally M medallist is stark. Since 2019, they have won 68 per cent of games when he is fit and just 34 per cent when he is sidelined.
Muzz
Guest
Turbo needs to find the best physio on the planet. My guess is an imbalance in muscles. His quadriceps could potentially be too strong for his hamstring muscles. Working hard to improve his flexibility would also help. Yoga and Pilates are a must!
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Journalist wears rainbow shirt in Qatar and dies shortly after. The family has accepted that it's a coincidence. I've heard a lot of people say they don't believe in coincidence over the last few years. Coincidence is very common and its existence is not in dispute.
The Barry
Roar Guru
With a bye in Round 2 it would be madness to play Turbo in Round 1… just sayin’ . Seriously though, this guy just can’t take a trick… such bad luck . From a selfish point of view we’re missing the peak years of someone who has the potential to be an all time great…
RayinSydney
Roar Rookie
I had a 96 Discovery Landrover Turbo, went very well for an underpowered car , got a bit breathless at the top end and was slow off the line, but it did turn up each week, had a little screw in the engine bay that you could 'turn up the turbo'; a bit...something the Trbojevic could do as a mid cycle upgrade maybe.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
The higher involvement at fullback equalling less rest between touches. More activity, less rest. Only logical to have an opinion that this would place more stresses on the body. Only a dog after a bone to think otherwise. Woof.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
When there's a loud whining noise, it's a sure sign your turbo's gone.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
No, just his general aggressive spirit on the field. Aggression and colour. It's always been a bad mix. Your local constabulary don't take too kindly to it, nor the general public - even if it's only in the context of a sporting match.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
Rover back to play fetch.
mushi
Roar Guru
Well it's not really a coincidence you've just made it up that they're the same. First isn't anaerobic fitness the ability to do sudden short bursts of high intensity? Your line of thinking that they need more rest doesn't make sense if you think they also don't perform well in sudden explosive moments. Second you don't believe in coincidences yet coincidentally Tom had a season for the ages, and clearly his best season, at fullback. Third, how is Tom even considered a converted centre? The only times he's played centre or wing is when they were trying to find a spot for him with an incumbent full back. How many games has he even lined up at centre for you to build your hypothesis.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Mitchell showing “aggression”. Are you referring to the Joey Manu tackle?
Tom G
Roar Rookie
It’s true but there are quite a few players that are in similar positions… Papenhuyzen, Ponga miss plenty of games through injury. I guess my view is that if it had to happen it’s at least better to be now than round 11. You’re right about the rehab, that trip to the US should definitely be on the cards
Cam
Roar Rookie
On face value you would think it is just a minor setback. But for a bloke who is battling chronic hamstring issues and has missed around 60% of scheduled matches over the past 4 years, a grade two hammy tear would constitute a major setback. I think he is almost certain to be sent to the US for rehab under Bill Knowles. Might be a blessing in disguise.
Cam
Roar Rookie
Siebold coaching a fractured Manly without Turbo, what could go wrong.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Well according to today’s news, it appears he’s out until mid February.. a set back for his preparation but not the end of the world… the season starts in March
Richard POWELL
Roar Rookie
Might need a trip to U.S. to see Lattrell's medico
matth
Roar Guru
Oh Jesus. Feel so sorry for Turbo. Bad luck Manly fans. I wonder is Siebold will be able to hold the squad together as well as Hasler did, if Turbo is a no-show.
Bearfax
Roar Guru
The Sea Eagles should be ensured they secure young Weekes beyond 2023 as a back up for Turbo. Again their lack of urgency could easily see the kid contracted elsewhere. Turbo is a great player, but unless this regular injury problem is resolved, they are going to want a talented alternative.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
You'd have to ask the question who is running their fitness department . They've known for years his body is dodgy and you need to handle him with kid gloves . Didn't they recently get rid of some fitness guru .
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
Apart from losing a grand final in the last minute, these sort of recurring injuries are an athlete's worst nightmare.
Dutski
Roar Guru
You shoul write it!!