Tom Trbojevic’s move from fullback to centre is a win for both Manly and their star

In the modern game the toughest position on the field is fullback, and few players have done it tougher than Tom Trbojevic - often to the detriment of both the player and the club.

Manly’s decision to shift Tom Trbojevic to the centres is a smart one, and should have happened earlier.

Tough old front-rowers will be up in arms, but in the modern game the toughest position on the field is fullback. First, second and third.

Firstly, no position is subjected to more isolated punishment.

Most attacking teams will now bomb the fullback anywhere from 55m out, with the aim to force an error or have the kick-chase team smash him on reception.

Hitting a fullback as they simultaneously take the ball destroys momentum and puts the yardage team immediately on the back foot.

Then there’s the high-speed impact.

At least a dozen times a match fullbacks are hit when they’re at, or close to, top speed.

On long kicks, the fullback and the advancing defence begin the sequence anywhere from 35m to 50m apart.

Tom Trbojevic has been punished long enough. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

To give you an idea of the significance, middle forwards develop wear and tear from the impact caused by just 10m of momentum.

Des Hasler, a man who was well ahead of his time as far as applying sports science to rugby league, once told me that devices used to measure speed and impact showed his big middle forwards suffered collisions with a force similar to a 60km/h car crash on at least two or three occasions in a match.

If front-rowers are doing this to one another from just 10m separation, what’s a fullback copping from 40m?

Then there’s the isolated pressure.

A fullback’s error is almost always a costly one — dropping a high kick, fumbling a grubber, missing a tackle as the last line of defence.

Pressure.

The primary requirements to playing fullback in 2025 are mental and physical toughness — endurance-wise they run more kilometres than any other position on the field.

But from a tactical sense, fullbacks are now expected to be playmakers as well as organise a defence line.

It’s clear, if you want fullback money, you’re gonna work and suffer for it.

MANLY’S TURBO OVER-RELIANCE

Even if just for a short while, Trbojevic deserves a break from the demands of playing No.1.

Playing in the centres brings defensive responsibilities, however, crucially for Trbojevic, it reduces his amount of top-speed running and high-speed impact.

It also brings a significant reduction in pressure.

Manly’s over-reliance on Trbojevic has gone on for far too long. His individual brilliance has won them so many games they should have lost.

Trbojevic has had to carry the Sea Eagles, who have become complacent. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Having such a gifted player in your team can lead to complacency or, in Manly’s case, a sloppiness and fragility under pressure.

When Trbojevic is fit and firing, Manly are a top-four team. They have a swagger and a healthy arrogance top teams require.

But when restricted by injury, the team’s confidence erodes like cake in the rain.

It’s bloody hard work being Tom Trbojevic, he carries too much responsibility and it’s burning him out.

The move to centre shifts a large portion of that pressure. He can go back to being part of a team, not the reason for victory or defeat.

THE COACHING CHATTER

Speaking of pressure, there’s plenty descending upon the shoulders of coach Anthony Seibold.

Reports came out suggesting he has the next two weeks to turn around a season which seems to be collapsing fast.

And while Manly officials have denied this, the nature of the denial will have done little to lower the coach’s blood pressure.

On Thursday night he comes up against a coach whose future has also been a topic of media attention — the Wests Tigers’ Benji Marshall.

Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson has been very strong in his support of his coach and has stated publicly that Marshall’s coaching future is under no threat.

But while Richo’s assurances may carry strong conviction, Marshall knows only wins, not quotes, can stop all the speculation.

Originally published as Tom Trbojevic’s move from fullback to centre is a win for both Manly and their star