Wayne Bennett says he will consider making a play for Tom and Jake Trbojevic if the superstar siblings seek a release from Manly over the treatment of sacked coach Des Hasler.
Tom Trbojevic was scheduled for a Zoom meeting with his management firm on Friday to discuss his frustrations about the situation at Manly. Earlier in the week, Trbojevic’s manager, Paul Sutton, told Nine that the fullback and Jake were “concerned about staying” at Manly following speculation about Hasler’s future.
The pair haven’t requested a release, but could have an immediate suitor should they wish to do so. While most clubs don’t have the salary-cap space to accommodate them for 2023, the Dolphins are cashed up and seeking marquee signings to strengthen their inaugural roster.
“We’re interested in any player who is coming off contract or is available to negotiate,” Bennett told the Herald.
“We all know the standing of those two players in the game. It’s something we could possibly have a look at.”
Those comments should come as a huge concern for the Sea Eagles, who are still dealing with the fallout from their decision to axe Hasler. It will also ramp up tensions with incoming coach Anthony Seibold, with the pair set to rekindle a bitter rivalry that began when Seibold replaced Bennett at the Broncos in eerily similar circumstances.
The Dolphins have struggled to land a big name after missing out on the likes of Cameron Munster, Brandon Smith, Harry Grant, Jahrome Hughes and Reece Walsh. However, Bennett has always maintained that the fledgling franchise would remain patient in the knowledge that star players could become disenfranchised at their incumbent clubs before the Redcliffe outfit kicked off its first season.
The Trbojevics are contracted to Manly until the end of 2026, but are loyal to Hasler and are concerned about the internal issues plaguing the club. If they were to depart, it would be an unmitigated disaster for Seibold, who is trying to re-establish himself as an NRL head coach after stints at the Rabbitohs and Broncos.
Anthony Seibold and Wayne Bennett appear set to lock horns again.Credit:AAP
However, Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov, who has been in regular dialogue with Jake and Tom, believes it won’t get to that.
“They are an integral part of the future of the club,” Mestrov said.
“They are contracted to the end of 2026, simple as that. I’ve spoken to them quite a number of times, both brothers, they are a big part of the club’s future.
“We will discuss things with them regarding the future of the club. They are here until the end of 2026 as far as the club is concerned.”
Several other NRL clubs are watching the Trbojevic situation closely, but the Dolphins are in prime position to pounce should they seek a new home. The Redcliffe outfit has officially signed 23 players including Jesse and Kenny Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi, Anthony Milford, Jarrod Wallace and Isaiya Katoa. However, they have money and roster spots available and could make the Trbojevics the faces of the franchise, providing the Dolphins with instant credibility.
“We all know the standing of those two players in the game. It’s something we could possibly have a look at.”
Wayne Bennett on the prospect of targeting Tom and Jake Trbojevic.
Manly, meanwhile, are still working through the process of officially terminating Hasler and working through a payout that is acceptable to both parties. The club put a cap on the amount they would pay Hasler should his contract be torn up, which could limit the damage to about $450,000. However, Hasler’s handlers – the same firm that oversees the careers of Jake, Tom and Ben Trbojevic – have flagged the prospect of legal action on the grounds the coach didn’t get a fair chance to earn the top-six finish required to trigger a contract extension for 2024 due to management failings.
Seibold, meanwhile, is planning to finish up his commitments with the English national rugby team and fly home in a bid to prepare for Manly’s upcoming pre-season.
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