‘I will stay there’: Tom Trbojevic rules out fullback return, dismisses injury concern and responds to contract speculation

Tom Trbojevic returned to school on Tuesday and must have felt like he was taking an exam after he was grilled on a potential return to fullback.

Sea Eagles superstar Tom Trbojevic has allayed any fears of a fresh injury and has confirmed all indications are that he will remain at right centre for the rest of the season as Manly looks to keep its finals hopes alive against the Roosters on Saturday night.

On the same day that boom back-rower Haumole Olakau’atu suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, Manly fans held their breath as Trbojevic stayed down with a leg injury while being tackled during the loss to the Bulldogs.

Tom Trbojevic suffered an injury scare against the Bulldogs on Sunday but is in no doubt for this weekend’s game. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

“It was just a bit awkward and the knee started to tighten up a little bit. It was an awkward fall,” he said.

“I haven’t actually watched it back but it looked a bit awkward. It was a bit ginger but I got up and felt all right, which is good.

“It feels good now and I was able to play the rest of the game.”

There was a huge sense of relief at Allianz Stadium as he played on, with the former Dally M Medal winner moving as well as he has all year.

Trbojevic set up his side’s only try and had some strong carries but was found out defensively a couple of times in his new role in the centres.

The Sea Eagles were 3-0 with him in that position before Sunday’s loss, and he isn’t expecting to return to fullback this year despite calls for him to move there, with Lehi Hopoate to remain in the No.1 jersey as they fight for a finals spot.

“My indication is that I will stay there, yes,” he replied at his former primary school ahead of NSW Public Education Week starting next Monday.

“I still feel like I have been able to do what I do best and that is move around the field and play footy. It obviously wasn’t our best performance on the weekend, mine included. I just have to reflect on that and get better and move forward, but feeling good.

Bronson Xerri got the better of Trbojevic a few times on Sunday. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

“It’s just a different position, you have to learn new things. Obviously, defensively it’s a lot different, but I just have to learn it.

“There are challenges in both of them. As a fullback, you have a bit more freedom. I have watched a lot of the game and I have played it before, so it’s not something I’m too unfamiliar with. I just have to keep getting better.

“I’ve moved there, so my focus is on being there and being the best version of myself there.

“It’s like anything, if you go move to do a different role in a job, if you’re thinking I’m not going to be here full time, I’ll move onto other things, then you’re not going to perform the job well.”

With his focus on performing well in his new role, Trbojevic has not paid any attention to speculation over his future.

The rep star has another year to run on his deal, as does his brother, Jake, but the pair are in no rush to sign what appears to be an inevitable extension with the club they grew up supporting.

Jake and Tom Trbojevic are expected to sign new deals beyond 2026. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“That’s not my focus at all,” Tom said.

“We’ve got six weeks left in the comp and that’s where my focus is at. I’ll sort that all out in the off-season, so I’m not focused on it.”

Jake is also off contract at the end of 2026 and it seems a fait accompli that he’ll sign a new deal to finish his career at Manly.

“We’ve got another year and a bit and I’m getting to the back end of my career, so it’s not really a rush,” the veteran lock said.

“It’s not like we’re really going to go anywhere else, is it?

“We’ll see how it plays out, but it’s not a focus at all. Where we are at the moment in the season, we need to focus on playing well and getting some more wins.

“It’ll all work itself out, so I’m not rushing.“