What really happened in Tom Trbojevic’s late-night street race

The punter who beat Tom Trbojevic in a foot race before the Manly star’s injury claim has revealed what went down on Saturday night.

Tom Trbojevic is in hot water.

The footy fan caught on camera beating Tom Trbojevic in a sprint along Manly Corso has spoken out after the NRL star suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out of action for the opening rounds.

Trbojevic said at a press conference on Monday he had tweaked his troublesome hamstring yet again after slipping in the bathroom. After missing out on much of 2020, it was a cruel blow expected to keep him off the park until Round 4.

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However, vision later emerged of the Sea Eagles fullback racing a punter known as “Harry” in a 70-yard dash in Manly on Saturday night, prompting speculation that’s how Trbojevic really suffered his latest injury setback.

Manly and Trbojevic have denied this is the case, insisting his hamstring was hurt on Sunday morning.

Harry believes him, saying he saw no signs Trbojevic was hurt after their foot race, which the Wests Tigers supporter goaded him into taking part in.

“I thought I’d just ask for a photo … and then I thought I may as well shoot my shot, ask him for a race as well,” Harry told 2GB’s Ben Fordham.

“At first he said no but I sort of convinced him, then it was just off.

“I don’t think (Trbojevic pulled up sore).

“He was fine when he was walking off but I’m not the one to say whether he did it in the race or in the bathroom.

“Sorry that he had to lose the race, first of all. I hope he gets better. I honestly hope he gets better but it takes two to tango.”

Harry also said his mum and dad “think I’m a living legend” for beating one of the fastest players in the NRL.

Trbojevic has had a rough run with injuries.

According to The Australian’s Brent Read, Trbojevic admitted it was a bad look.

“I was having a few drinks and I was being an idiot on The Corso,” Trbojevic said. “I know how it is going to look but I swear, I didn’t hurt it then.”

Sea Eagles chief executive Stephen Humphries told The Daily Telegraph the club did not attempt to cover up Trbojevic’s Saturday night antics and is satisfied with the “full explanation” the player provided to the club.

Trbojevic only played seven games in 2020 after injuring his hamstring in June before a shoulder injury in Round 19 ended his year, including the 2020 State of Origin series.

“I’m devastated by what’s happened,” Trbojevic said. “I will be working hard with the rehab team to get the hamstring right.”

The 24-year-old also apologised to fans for “not playing enough footy” in recent seasons.

“I do apologise to Manly … and to the members that I won’t be playing footy early this year,” he said.