Late grandfather the inspiration behind Trbojevics’ Origin passion
Growing up on Sydney’s northern beaches, Jake and Tom Trbojevic were so invested in State of Origin a loss would leave them ‘filthy’. But that didn’t stop their prankster grandfather deliberately ribbing the young stars.
When Jake and Tom Trbojevic run onto ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night, the Blues brothers will stop to think of the man that instilled Origin hatred in them.
The sibling’s late grandfather Peter used to deliberately don a Queensland jersey while watching the game with them as youngsters.
Jake has fond memories of his Pop’s cheeky stir infuriating him and Tom.
“Pa was just trying to fire us up,” the eldest Trbojevic boy recalled, laughing.
“He was geeing us up but it was always a good laugh.
“Origin was massive for us growing up.
“We were so passionate and we loved it.
“Whenever the Blues had a win we’d be so pumped but if we lost we were devastated.
“And I’m talking just filthy.”
Flash forward over a decade and the Trbojevic brothers will line up for the Blues in an historic decider at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night.
Even now Jake still can’t believe that he is playing alongside Tom on rugby league’s biggest stage.
“It’s so special,” he said.
“Playing juniors at the Mona Vale Raiders we loved State of Origin growing up, so now to play Origin together is so surreal.
“Playing alongside your brother for the Blues is awesome. The family is so happy and so proud.”
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Jake particularly enjoyed playing with Tom in Origin 2 in Perth when his younger sibling bagged a hat-trick.
He said the sight of his brother brushing off defenders to score brought back some memorable recollections of junior football.
“When Tom was younger he scored lots of tries,” he said.
“He was tall and lean but he was always quick and very switched on.
“He was one of those kids that watched so much footy that he just knew where to be.
“In the under-6s some people have no idea what is going on but Tom knew what he was doing.”
Tom is equally excited about playing in a decider alongside his big brother Jake and in front of a significant throng of family.
“They won’t have to go too far for this game given it is in Sydney,” he said.
“They’ll be happy about that.
“There will be a fair few of the family there. It helps that Jake and I both get tickets.
“Playing any Origin is special in itself but it is just an added incentive playing at home in a decider.
“It is going to be a massive contest.”
Originally published as Late grandfather the inspiration behind Trbojevics’ Origin passion