Injured Manly star Tom Trbojevic says he has no intention of letting his latest hamstring injury force him into early retirement.
Trbojevic is also looking forward to seeing what Sea Eagles team-mate Tolu Koula can do at full-back, and is ready to hand over the No.1 jersey if interim coach Kieran Foran believes it is the best option for his long-term health and the team’s.
The person known as ‘Turbo’ broke in the 13th minute against the Cowboys last Thursday night in Townsville.
The broken look on his face as he walked off the pitch, knowing he was set for another lengthy rehab, would have melted the hearts of opposition supporters – especially given his injury history.
It was Trbojevic’s eighth hamstring injury in as many seasons.
“I understand there will be many people asking questions, and saying different things about it (early retirement), but I like playing football, I want to continue playing the game I love, so it’s something I don’t even want to entertain,” Trbojevic told this newspaper.
“All I can do is keep working hard. It’s disappointing, and I’m as disappointed as any Manly fan.
“The hardest thing is that you don’t have direct answers to why it keeps happening.
“We’re going to implement what we learned from (Melbourne hamstring specialist) David (Hist)stay tuned, and try to improve our return program.
“I was really feeling good all year. As soon as it happened, I knew. It didn’t happen when I was running. I actually did it when I was in the tackle. I was trying to bend, and my leg was extended a little bit awkwardly.
“It’s not a good feeling when you come off the field. You work a lot to try to prevent injuries. When you find out where you’re going to end up (in rehab) in the next little while, it’s always sad.”
Trbojevic, 29, faces up to eight weeks on the sidelines, a blow not only to Manly but also to NSW, and Blues coach Laurie Daley confirming that he liked to see Turbo back on the plane and playing with confidence.
Koula played fullback in the win against the Cowboys, and he didn’t do well.
The Tongan international and former athlete will wear the number 1 against Parramatta on Sunday afternoon.
Another frequent water cooler debate when it comes to Trbojevic and his unfortunate injuries is whether the physical demands of playing winger are doing more harm than good to his body. He played a few games at center as he returned from a concussion last season.
“I try not to get involved in that discussion too much,” Trbojevic said.
“Fullback is where I like to play, but I’ll do whatever ‘Foz’ (Foran) wants me to do.
“Tolu is a quality player, and someone I look forward to watching. He is a real threat with the ball in his hands, and breaks up attacks with ease. All I can do is focus on my recovery and do whatever I can for the team.”
Trbojevic offered to watch the second half against the Cowboys in the coach’s box, and Foran said last Friday how important it was to rely on a player like him in real time.
“It was an incredible luxury; we want him on the pitch, it won’t be for the next few weeks, but we benefit from having him in the box,” Foran said.
