Former Sea Eagles premiership winner Peter Peters has urged the Manly club to release superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic in the wake of his latest injury blow.
Trbojevic departed for the United States over the weekend to rehab a hamstring injury with renowned specialist Bill Knowles, who has previously worked with both Latrell Mitchell and Ryan Papenhuyzen.
The 26-year-old star has consistently battled injuries since making his NRL debut in 2015, having only managed to feature in more than 20 games in a calendar year in three of his eight seasons.
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In 2022 Trbojevic also suffered a season-ending shoulder injury and only featured seven times under Des Hasler.
Peters, who was a member of the 1973 Sea Eagles premiership-winning team, believes Manly should cut ties with the 2021 Dally M Medallist who takes up a significant portion of the club’s salary cap.
“Yes, (I would release him to a rival) if it continues,” Peters said to Josh Reynolds on the Big Sports Breakfast.
“I think it’s a business decision. He may have to take an early retirement if it keeps going.
“He’s played 121 games and he made his debut back in 2015. It’s just not enough games.
“He’s a superstar but it’s like having a Lamborghini full of petrol in the garage, but you can’t drive it because, mechanically, it’s not sound.
“It’s a huge make-or-break for Turbo’s career in the NRL. He’s 26, he’s got so many good years in front of him, if he’s fit.”
Trbojevic suffered his latest hamstring injury prior to Christmas and is expected to be fit for Manly’s first round clash against the Bulldogs on March 4.
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However, Peters believes incoming coach Anthony Seibold should make the bold move to switch his superstar into the centres.
Playing at fullback requires more running than the centre position, and Trbojevic’s success in the role at Origin level could see him move towards an edge, with either Kaeo Weekes or Reuben Garrick to wear the No.1 jersey.
“The towering bombs from Matt Burton are exactly what they don’t need to be under first-up,” Peters said.
“I would be playing Kaeo Weekes or Reuben Garrick in the fullback spot.
“Turbo doesn’t need the first-up test that Burton would bring.
“Weekes, in the final game of 2022, in pouring rain against the Bulldogs, fielded every high kick except one from Matt Burton.
“It was a great exhibition of fullback play. I’d play the kid and put Tommy in the centres.”
