Isaac Heeney says Tom Trbojevic had the skills to star in AFL had he not gone down NRL path

Manly NRL Origin monster Tom Trbojevic is used to being among the best at his chosen craft. But Sydney AFL jet Isaac Heeney says that craft could have easily been on an oval, rather than a rectangle.

Tom Trbojevic is among the best players in the NRL. Picture: Getty Images

NRL star Tom Trbojevic is blessed with so much talent that he could take his pick of any role, had he continued his AFL career, former Sydney Swans Academy teammate Isaac Heeney says.

The Daily Telegraph revealed this week that regulations preventing AFL clubs signing players before they turn 18 allowed the Manly Sea Eagles to pounce and claim Trbojevic.

Manly were able to offer a then 16-year-old Trbojevic a pathway that the Swans simply couldn’t guarantee. And so ‘Tommy Turbo’ was lost to the AFL game.

Tom Trbojevic is among the best players in the NRL. Picture: Getty Images

But indulging in a spot of ‘what if’ Heeney is confident his old mate could have been another Nick Blakey.

“I love rugby league and he’s obviously a super talent, him and his brother are super talents and see you could see on the weekend that they produced some pretty good footy. (He’s) the one that got away,” Heeney said.

“He had a few opportunities, his brother playing NRL as well. I’m assuming that was the main drive behind why he went with NRL instead of AFL.

“I think the (Swans) Academy does an amazing job with grabbing that sort of talent and holding on to them really well. Obviously there’s going to be a couple that get away and he was one of those.”

It’s been a while since the pair were in touch but Heeney said he’d now look to put that right.

MISSED: TURBO THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY

Isaac Heeney says Trbojevic could have easily made it in the AFL. Picture: AFL Photos/Getty Images

NO FIGHTING: SWANS STAR DEFUSED PUB SCUFFLE

WHERE WOULD HE FIT INTO THIS SWANS SIDE?

Good question. Could be anyone really. He’s obviously a tall, fit and strong looking unit. So maybe a half forward, like a Nick Blakey coming up now, or a wing role?

WOULD YOU LIKE HIM IN YOUR SIDE?

Yes. 100 per cent. He moves really well doesn’t he? What do they call him, Tommy Turbo, so he’s pretty quick as well. He’s obviously a hard unit as well so maybe inside, but probably anywhere to be honest.

NICK BLAKEY/TRBOJEVIC COMPARISONS

A super talent. He’s so skilful for a big boy and extremely quick as well. He’s a bit like Tommy Turbo in the way he covers the ground really well and super skilful and composed for such a young fella. Attributes that will take him a long way.

Nick Blakey has all the hallmarks of a future champion. Picture: Phil Hillyard