NRL news: Manly’s Tom Trbojevic to make shock return at centre in round 18

It took breaking down data, flying in a physiotherapist from England and a frank conversation to make the decision to change Tom Trbojevic’s position ahead of his round 18 NRL return. See why Seibold made the call.

Breaking down data, a frank conversation and flying in a physiotherapist from England was all part of the plan to help rebuild Tom Trbojevic and ensure he is back on the paddock.

Trbojevic said the latest setback left him “rattled” but he was ready to do whatever the team needed to get back onto the field.

Trbojevic will return for the first time since round 10 with the Sea Eagles shifting him from his preferred fullback spot to centre in a bid to try and minimise further risk of any potential hamstring injuries.

The centre spot will Trbojevic’s home for now – at least in the short-term with Manly coach Anthony Seibold not ruling out a potential return to the no.1 jersey.

Seibold spoke with Trbojevic before making the decision.

“It was a joint decision,” Seibold said.

“It doesn’t mean he will stay at centre forever.

“We had an in-depth look at workloads at position, Tom’s injury history and how best to get him back on the park.

“It’s about keeping him in the game. That’s the most important thing. He has played as an elite centre in Origin. He really wants to come back and enjoy that role.”

Tom Trbojevic will return in the centres for Manly. (Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

The Sea Eagles have been number crunching and want to reduce the workload Trbojevic has to endure while playing at fullback.

Part of that included having a physiotherapist Dave O’Sullivan – who has worked with the English rugby team - flown in from the UK to work with Trbojevic in recent weeks.

“We put so much homework into this,” Seibold said.

“We looked at all the data from his Origin games, all the data from him playing fullback this year and last year. Our current centres. We sought advice.

“We had Dave O’sullivan working with Tom.

“We’ve put a lot of time into this and we made the decision early last week.

“There is a difference in and around the hard acceleration. We’re not trying to outsmart ourselves. It is the logical decision and it feels like it’s the best position for our team.

“Everyone saw how he injured himself in the Dolphins game at fullback where there is a hard acceleration.

Tom Trbojevic hasn’t been seen since round 10. Picture: NRL Images.

“It is the logical thing after we’ve looked at the data.”

Trbojevic said he was just happy to get back on the field.

“That last injury really rattled me but I am looking forward to coming back next week,” Trbojevic said.

“I’ve been back running the last few weeks at full speed and haven’t had any hiccups. I am comfortable at centre. I just want to get back on the field and do whatever I can to play finals football.”

Fox Sports Lab statistics show that fullbacks run for an average of 30 metres more per game but it is their work off the ball which causes risk.

Trbojevic will partner Reuben Garrick in the centres when the Sea Eagles take on North Queensland on Saturday night. Toluta’u Koula will likely start at fullback.

“I haven’t hesitated in the past,” Seibold said of the positional switch.

“But I always thought that Turbo’s (Trbojevic’s) best position has been at fullback.

Can Tom Trbojevic return to his best? Picture: Supplied

“That was the key difference. It’s about trying to get Turbo on the park and keep him on the park. We feel like that the best way is through the centres.

“It’s not forever. We’ve got two young fullbacks in Koula and Lehi Hopoate.

“We felt this was an opportunity to continue their growth.”

Seibold would not buy into the exact role Trbojevic will play. But expect him not to be restricted to one side of the field.

“He will use his weapons like anyone else,” Seibold said.

“We want him to use all his weapons.”

Trbojevic has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons. He has not played more than 20 games in a season since 2018.