State of Origin 2023 tracker: Tom Trbojevic’s Blues spot no longer guaranteed

Considered a walk-up start for the Blues since making his State of Origin debut, NSW advisor Greg Alexander says Tom Trbojevic won’t be guaranteed a spot.

Tom Trbojevic is sweating on scans. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

Tom Trbojevic will be named in the Manly side on Wednesday but his availability for Saturday night’s game against the Gold Coast will hinge on a fitness test later in the week after scans revealed he suffered a minor tear to his adductor at the weekend.

Trbojevic underwent scans on Monday where to the relief of Manly coach Anthony Seibold he was cleared of serious injury after limping off the field in the latter stages of the Sea Eagles’ win over the Wests Tigers.

“It’s very, very minor adductor [tear],” Seibold said.

“We will name him and do a fitness test on Friday. It’s the best news possible. He presented really well today.

“It’s really good news but we won’t be silly with him. If he has any concerns, we will hold him back.”

The positive news surrounding Trbojevic came as Manly boss Scott Penn urged fans to give the Sea Eagles No. 1 the time and space to adapt to his new training regimen and NSW Adviser Greg Alexander hinted that he was no longer a walk-up start for the State of Origin series opener.

Tom Trbojevic is sweating on scans. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

Penn, speaking from New York, echoed Seibold in raising concerns about the publicity surrounding Trbojevic’s return from injury after he suffered a setback at the weekend.

Trbojevic’s injury woes have put Blues officials on high alert as they prepare to name their side for the opening game of the State of Origin series in less than a month.

Trbojevic was considered a certainty to be named in the centres but Alexander conceded he and coach Brad Fittler had plenty to think about given the Manly star’s latest setback.

“Certainly plenty to think about,” Alexander said on SEN radio on Monday morning.

“It doesn’t just happen. Although you just think Tom was an automatic selection, until he finds a bit of form and confidence, there is plenty to think about.”

Alexander’s concern came as Penn urged fans and media to give the Sea Eagles No. 1 some space to adapt to his new training regimen.

Trbojevic travelled to America in the pre-season to see Philadelphia training guru Bill Knowles, the mastermind behind Latrell Mitchell’s recovery from a hamstring injury last season.

Mitchell hasn’t looked back since but Trbojevic’s recovery has been more of a slow burn as he adapts to a new running technique and a revised training program.

Penn says fans need to understand that his recovery will take time.

“He was out of the game all last year,” Penn said.

“He has a new training regime. I feel like everyone needs to back off a bit because he has been through a lot.

“He needs space, he just needs space. When you go over and see Bill, that is because there are long term issues to deal with.

“Anyone who has gone over there hasn’t gone for a quick fix. People need to give him that space. I am worried about everyone putting too much pressure on him.

“We really care about him. Everyone knows he is playing a little bit within himself but that is okay, because it is all part of coming back from serious injury.

“He just needs some time. Everyone just needs to be patient.”