Victory for loyalty as Jake and Tom Trbojevic stay with Manly
The Sea Eagles have won the race to keep the Trbojevic brothers Jake and Tom at Manly, with the club set to re-sign the siblings before rival teams can prise them away.
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In a rare victory for loyalty, Sea Eagles superstars Tom and Jake Trbojevic have agreed to massive six-year deals with Manlyworth a combined $12 million.
It is among the most significant moments in Manly’s 72-year history and means the representative brothers won’t be off contractat Brookvale until the end of 2026. At that time, Jake will be 32 and Tom two years younger.
It appears certain the brothers will retire as one-club legends on Sydney’s northern beaches.
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The Daily Telegraph understands Tom’s contract will be worth about $1 million a season and Jake’s a tick under that figure.
Tom and Jake had another year remaining on their contracts but have agreed to re-sign and end months of speculation.
The Daily Telegraph exclusively broke Manly’s retention of the pair online yesterday. Coach Des Hasler completed the dealwith the pair and their manager, SFX’s Paul Sutton.
“Jake and Tom are happy with the terms and happy to stay,” Sutton said, as it comes before the November 1 deadline where rival clubs are allowed to sign them for 2021 and $80 million worth of talent comes on the open market.
Sea Eagles chairman Scott Penn and new chief executive Stephen Humphreys are expected to formally announce the deal. It willbe an ideal start as CEO for Humphreys, who will take charge of the club today.
Tom and Jake could have earnt more at rival clubs, some suggesting as much as $1.5 million between them.
However, the local juniors wanted to remain at Manly.
“They could have probably gone away for more money but loyalty is one of the greatest things in life,” former Manly and Kangaroosskipper Max Krilich said.
Well-placed sources said Tom and Jake received their offers in the past 48 hours and were more than happy with the terms.
Sea Eagles officials were last night awaiting final confirmation from the pair.
“They are integral to the team,” Manly legend Steve Menzies said.
“They are local juniors, rep players, leaders on and off the field and role models for youngsters. They are just great kids.”
Manly were keen to nail down the brothers before today, when rival clubs can offer them formal contracts.
Most clubs were aware Tom and Jake wanted to remain at Brookvale and didn’t pursue them too aggressively.
“Two local juniors, it’s all about Manly,” Krilich said.
“This is fantastic for everyone, the whole northern beaches community and for rugby league itself.
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“Aside from being football players, they are fantastic role models. You never know what is going to happen in rugby leaguebut they are staying for the next six to seven years.
“It’s fantastic news for the club and the best news I have heard in a long, long time.”
The Trbojevics’ younger brother, Ben, has also committed to Manly until the end of 2021. A NSW under-18s star this season,he is aiming to play first grade with his older brothers.
Jake is in New Zealand with the Kangaroos preparing for tomorrow’s Test against Tonga in Auckland.