By Robert Dillon
Tom Trbojevic has upstaged Daly Cherry-Evans as the main talking point after suffering a knee injury in Manly’s 26-12 win against Parramatta at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.
The champion fullback was returning after missing last week’s win against Canberra with a hamstring strain, but lasted only 25 minutes before he suffered another setback.
With his right leg already heavily strapped before kick-off – having reportedly copped a knock to his knee at training on Saturday – Trbojevic needed treatment and eventually rejoined the game with his left leg swathed in strapping as well.
He spent the rest of the first half hobbling and was the first player to leave the field when the siren sounded, heading up the tunnel to consult Manly’s medical staff.
With Manly leading 12-0, he did not return for the second-half kick-off, having reportedly been diagnosed with a medial ligament issue.
Tom Trbojevic leaves the field just before half-time on Sunday.Credit: Getty Images
Lehi Hopoate switched from left wing to fullback, with Reuben Garrick moving from centre to wing, and Ben Trbojevic shuffling from back row to centre.
Trbojevic’s injury overshadowed Cherry-Evans’ first appearance since his dramatic announcement last week that he would be leaving Manly at season’s end.
There were a smattering of boos from the crowd when he ran out for warm-up, and also when his image was shown on the big screen. But they were overwhelmingly drowned out by supportive cheers.
A banner reading “Daly stay” was also unfurled by supporters in the parochial crowd of 17,286.
The veteran halfback wasted no time stamping his class on proceedings and was heavily involved from the outset.
He could have scored the opening try of the game in the eighth minute, screaming up in support, only for winger Jason Saab to finish it off in style himself with an in-and-away that beat Eels fullback Isaiah Iongi pointlessly.
Eight minutes later, the Sea Eagles were in again, on the opposite flank, through Hopoate.
A couple of Reuben Garrick penalty goals either side of half-time gave the home team a 14-0 advantage, but the winless Eels stuck bravely to their task.
Daly Cherry-Evans on the fly against Parramatta.Credit: Getty Images
They narrowed the deficit in the 56th minute when prop Joe Ofahengaue, appearing in his 200th top-grade game, crashed over from close range.
That just seemed to stir the Sea Eagles from their slumber, and tries from bench forward Corey Waddell (63rd minute) and centre Tolutau Koula (68th minute) left the Eels pondering their fourth successive defeat under rookie coach Jason Ryles.
A try from back-rower Shaun Lane in the dying seconds provided some consolation for the visitors.
The win lifted Manly to second on the points table and sets up a blockbuster clash with Melbourne on Sunday.
