Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett says don’t rush Tom Trbojevic into NSW Origin side

RISING Sea Eagles star Tom Trbojevic is a special talent but coach Trent Barrett does not believe he should be rushed into the NSW Origin side.

Sea Eagles' Tom Trbojevic looks to get a pass away during game against North Queensland Cowboys. Picture: AAP/Michael Chambers.

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RISING Sea Eagles star Tom Trbojevic is one of the NRL’s most prodigious young talents but coach Trent Barrett does not believe he should be rushed into the NSW side for the final State of Origin game.

Barrett made the observation after what he described as probably his team’s best performance of the season in going down to the Cowboys 30-26 on Monday night in Townsville where Trbojevic again made a big impact.

And there have been calls for the next generation of players to be blooded in the Blues’ side with this series already won by Queensland.

Tom Trbojevic takes on the Cowboys defence on Monday night.

“I wouldn’t like to see him picked now, I think he is still developing,” Barrett said.

“He would handle it no doubt, he’s been a shining light for us, him and his brother (Jake).

“They never give up, they are the future.

“I would like to see him probably wait a little bit longer.

“He will definitely be there down the track but he’s still finding his feet in first grade and doing a terrific job.”

The spirited Sea Eagles’ display buoyed the players and supporters ahead of Monday night’s game against the Dragons at Brookvale.

Manly coach Trent Barrett doesn’t want Tom Trbojevic rushed into the NSW Origin side.

“We made a lot of steps in the right direction and at five tries a piece there were a couple of goal kicks in it,” Barrett said.

“I think we have set a standard for ourselves.

“There’s no reason why we can’t come out and win our last six games. particularly if we have an effort like that and put a bit of polish on a few other things.”

Another real positive for the side was the damaging performances of frontrowers Darcy Lussick, Siosaia Vave and Addin Fonua-Blake, who scored two tries.

“I thought Darcy Lussick again was terrific, he has been outstanding over the last month and is playing some big minutes,” Barrett said.

“He is laying a platform for Addin and ‘Va’ to come on and do what they did.”