Concerning image shows why NSW Blues can’t pick Tom Trbojevic for State of Origin

A concerning image of Manly Sea Eagles star Tom Trbojevic has exposed a brutal State of Origin truth the NSW Blues must accept.

Tommy Turbo got chased down by a prop.

COMMENT

There is no way Tom Trbojevic should be in New South Wales’ side for State of Origin Game 1.

At the peak of his powers in 2021, Tommy Turbo put Manly on his back as he led them to a top four finish and claimed the Dally M Medal in recognition of one of the best individual seasons ever seen.

But unfortunately for rugby league fans, Trbojevic’s body has let him down and he just isn’t the same player two years on.

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The 26-year-old played just seven games last year, spent the off-season rehabbing a hamstring injury, suffered back spasms a fortnight ago and is now nursing a groin injury sustained in Manly’s 22-16 win over the Wests Tigers on Sunday.

Trbojevic limped off the field with 10 minutes to go in the hands of the trainer and looked extremely dejected as his side managed to hold off the winless Tigers.

Just as concerning was the sight of Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu chasing down Trbojevic in the first half, forcing him to pass the ball to Daly Cherry-Evans for an easy try.

Stefano is faster than Turbo 🤯🤯🤯🤯

— The Cast Patrol (@thecastpatrol) April 23, 2023

Fox League’s Andrew Voss said: “Not too many front rowers run down the Manly fullback. Credit where it is due.”

Tommy Turbo got chased down by a prop. Photo: Fox Sports.

Trbojevic was nicknamed ‘Slats’ after Australian cricketer Michael Slater because it took him so long to play 100 NRL games — just like Slater was out stranded in the 90s countless times.

Now his injury-prone body is no joke. Josh Morris said on the Matty Johns Show “it almost looks like he’s running at 70 or 80 per cent”.

He’s not wrong. The old Turbo would have left Utoikamanu in his wake.

Manly have started the season well and are second on the ladder a third of the way through the season, but the Sea Eagles are keeping their star fullback in cotton wool and have been coy on his injury status.

Manly and NSW Blues coaching staff can’t be liking what they’re seeing from Trbojevic.

State of Origin Game I is just over a month away and the Blues will be determined to get off to a flyer on neutral territory at the Adelaide Oval.

Rugby league pundits are falling over themselves to fit Trbojevic in NSW’s backline, but does he really deserved to be picked?

Josh Addo-Carr’s performance for the Kangaroos at last year’s World Cup and for the Bulldogs means he is all but certain to be recalled to the Blues’ Origin line-up after Brad Fittler snubbed him last year.

This has become an all too common sight. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Tom Trbojevic’s place in the Blues’ line-up is in doubt. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

James Tedesco is rock solid at fullback, and with Addo-Carr and Brian To’o likely to be on the wings, that leaves just the centres as an option for Trbojevic.

On form, Stephen Crichton and Campbell Graham both deserve to be in the NSW backline over Tom Trbojevic. #NRLTigersManly

— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) April 23, 2023

Even if fit - could we see some players pull out of State of Origin to prioritise their club and their bodies? Especially ones with premiership chances? Latrell? Turbo? #nrl#origin

— Jelisa Apps (@JelisaApps) April 23, 2023

So does Turbo still get picked for Origin even though he's not fit?
Can't run. #NRLTigersManly

— Sandy Hunter (@sandyhunter2) April 23, 2023

But based on form, surely Rabbitohs duo Latrell Mitchell and Campbell Graham have earned the right to get first crack in the centres.

Even Jack Wighton would be a better option in the middle instead of playing a hobbled Trbojevic out of position.

It would be a disaster if Trbojevic does a hammy chasing down Selwyn Cobbo 10 minutes into Game 1 and the Blues have to play out the game a man down.

Blues selectors have a history of throwing the series away with overly creative Game 1 selections that defy common sense.

With the State of Origin shield in Queensland hands, they can’t afford to make that mistake again.

Originally published as Concerning image shows why NSW Blues can’t pick Tom Trbojevic for State of Origin