Tom Trbojevic is poised to be ruled out of the entire State of Origin series, with Manly officials expecting the star fullback to be sidelined for up to two months.
Scans will determine the full extent of the injury after Trbojevic injured his hamstring after colliding with a cameraman in Thursday night’s loss to the Dolphins. However, the Sea Eagles medical staff are bracing for him to be unavailable for between six and eight weeks.
That timeframe, should it be confirmed, will effectively kill off his chances of being involved in the Origin series, which begins on June 5.
Trbojevic has previously flown to Philadelphia to work on his hamstrings with reconditioning guru Bill Knowles, although that is unlikely to occur again during his latest sabbatical.
The injury is a huge blow for the Blues, who will also be without South Sydney captain Cameron Murray for their campaign. Trbojevic was a contender for the NSW custodian role alongside James Tedesco and Dylan Edwards, and also under consideration for a centre spot alongside Stephen Crichton.
Teammate Jason Saab, an outside chance of figuring for the Blues, will also get scans on his injured knee, but is likely to miss a month of football.
Tom Trbojevic limps from the field after suffering a hamstring injury.Credit: NRL Photos
Reuben Garrick has previously filled in admirably when Trbojevic is unavailable, but the Sea Eagles are poised to hand the fullback jersey to speedster Tolutau Koula for the Magic Round clash with Brisbane next Friday. Koula has played much of his junior football at No.1 and the Sea Eagles believe he can be an X-factor at the back.
Trbojevic’s injury has thrown the race wide open for three-quarter spots, with Bradman Best, Matt Burton, Jessie Ramien, Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton, Izack Tago, Kotoni Staggs and Joseph Suaalii all in the frame for a call-up.
It’s Trbojevic’s fifth career hamstring injury after suffering setbacks in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023.
THE CONTENDERS TO REPLACE TOM TRBOJEVIC FOR NSW
Dylan Edwards – One of the top fullback contenders, along with Trbojevic, if NSW feel they needed to part company with James Tedesco. His irresistible form, coupled with his connection with certain Panthers selections Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo, puts him in the frame for a debut.
Stephen Crichton – A certain selection. Is arguably the best defensive centre in the world and is a genuine leader, as evidenced by him skippering a resurgent Canterbury up the competition ladder.
Bradman Best – The Novocastrian is the incumbent NSW centre, having starred in last year’s Origin finale. Has been solid again this season, averaging more than 150 metres per game and a tackle efficiency above 90 per cent.
Jessie Ramien – Has emerged as a bolter after Cronulla’s strong start to the season. Has a chance to state his case with upcoming games against heavyweights Melbourne, the Roosters and Penrith.
Latrell Mitchell – Has missed a lot of football and would need a huge month to come into calculations. Is yet to decide whether he wants to be considered for selection for the opening game.
Matt Burton – While he is wearing the Bulldogs No.6 jersey, Burton has proved himself as a centre in big games, including grand finals and Origin. His connection with former Panthers teammates is a bonus.
Jack Wighton – Another Rabbitoh who has yet to officially indicate if he is keen to return to the representative arena. It’s unclear whether he will make himself available, but could be a better option for Michael Maguire on the bench rather than the centres.
Izack Tago – Has been a revelation for the Panthers. If Maguire is true to his word about picking players in form, Tago has to be considered.
Kotoni Staggs – Has made only one appearance for NSW, back in 2022, but selectors are keeping a close eye on him. Is down the pecking order, but some big performances can change that.
“Not sure [the early verdict], but it’s a hamstring injury from what I understand, I’m not sure how bad it is,” Manly coach Anthony Seibold said in his post-match press conference.
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