Manly apply for Tom Trbojevic’s Category 1 Origin concussion call to be downgraded

A doctor 1,300km away from the incident deemed NSW and Sea Eagles star Tom Trbojevic to have suffered a category 1 concussion in Origin I – Manly say it was a bad call.

Tom Trbojevic was knocked out of State of Origin I after a collision with Tom Flegler. Credit: Nine screenshot.

Manly are attempting to prove to the NRL that Tom Trbojevic is free to play next weekend, a potential huge win for the Sea Eagles and NSW.

Trbojevic was ruled out of State of Origin game one in Adelaide last Wednesday night in the 68th minute after Maroons forward Thomas Flegler collected the star centre in the head.

He is currently in danger of being rubbed out for 11 days, meaning he won’t play again for Manly before NSW coach Brad Fittler picks his all-important team for Origin II in Brisbane next Monday.

Tom Trbojevic was knocked out of State of Origin I after a collision with Tom Flegler. Credit: Nine screenshot.

In the process of carrying the football last Wednesday night, Trbojevic was deemed to have suffered a Category 1 head knock by an independent doctor positioned in a Sydney-based bunker.

However, the Sea Eagles are claiming Trbojevic has been misdiagnosed and therefore he doesn’t need to be stood down for the 11 days which is standard protocol for a Category 1 concussion.

Manly have communicated to the NRL that they are of the belief respected NSW doctor Nathan Gibbs diagnosed Trbojevic as a Category 2 head knock last Wednesday night.

The Sea Eagles have communication to suggest that the Blues medical staff have confirmed Trbojevic had no signs of concussion when he underwent his HIA assessment on Wednesday night.

Tom Trbojevic off after suffering a concussion in this tackle - deemed to have shown Category 1 signs of concussion. With the 12 day concussion stand down he likely won’t be available to play again til Origin 2, with Manly’s next game (& only one before Origin 2) in 9 days time pic.twitter.com/6CkEWD3LB7

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) May 31, 2023

Additionally, Trbojevic was also clear of any concussion symptoms when assessed by former NRL chief medical officer and current Sea Eagles club doctor Dr Paul Bloomfield on Friday.

Under NRL concussion protocols, Category 1 signs include loss of consciousness, balance disturbance, impact seizures and no protective action when falling.

A Category 2 concussion would require Trbojevic to rest and pass a SCAT test – an evaluation of how the player is feeling.

The Blues centre stayed down momentarily after the clash before standing to find his feet and being assessed on the field by a NSW trainer.

The Sea Eagles are within their rights to question the decision to stand-down Trbojevic for 11 days, which the NRL has confirmed.

“The NRL has received correspondence from Manly Warringah Sea Eagles,” an NRL spokesperson said.

“The NRL is considering the matter.”

Manly – who have a bye this weekend – face The Dolphins at 4Pines Park next Friday, which is nine days after Origin II.

The Sea Eagles won‘t push Trbojevic to play.

They will be guided by medical opinion, but believe that on the evidence they have, their best player shouldn’t fall under an 11-day stand down period.

The availability of Trbojevic for the Sea Eagles would prove hugely influential as they hover just outside the top-eight in 11th position.

However, the benefit of Trbojevic playing would also aid the Blues selectors, who can select the strike-player in the comfort of him having played a match.

On top of the health of Trbojevic, the Blues are also sweating on the availability of fellow centre Latrell Mitchell, who is battling to overcome a calf injury.