Jake Trbojevic said he felt silly when he spotted vision of himself kicking over a dozen plastic bottles following Manly’s win over Melbourne – then made a point of waiting back in the dressing sheds to tidy them up.
The Sea Eagles made it three wins on the trot on Saturday night, and Trbojevic said the 18-16 win was a special one considering the headlines that engulfed the club six weeks ago.
“I feel like an idiot watching that back,” Trbojevic said.
“I walked in, I was so happy, I saw a few of the boys who were all stoked, so I yelled and then kicked the bottles over. I was trying to be funny. I didn’t know what else to do.
“I don’t have a reason why I did it – I just did it. I had to help ‘Rossy’ [head trainer Alex Ross] clean them all up. He does everything, including our drinks. It was the least I could do.
“The main feeling on Saturday in the sheds was probably one of relief, to be honest – any win is enjoyable, but we felt relief.
Jake Trbojevic celebrates Manly’s win over Melbourne
“We went through a tough little period there not long ago, it didn’t feel great, I won’t lie, but to have two wins, and two byes during that period, then to win in Melbourne, it felt really great.”
There was speculation about the future of coach Anthony Seibold, questions about Tom Trbojevic’s move from fullback to centre, and if skipper Daly Cherry-Evans’ pending exit had become an ongoing distraction.
Cherry-Evans, however, somehow stopped two-metre prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona from scoring close to the line on Saturday night, which boosted the Sea Eagles and reminded fans that he is determined to give everything he has before exiting the club after 14 seasons.
“I don’t know how you stop Nelson in that instance – I don’t know who stops him, but ‘Chez’ did,” Trbojevic said.
Manly players celebrate after beating Melbourne.Credit: Getty Images
“It was a great effort. Looking back, it was a game-defining moment. The weight difference between Chez and Nelson makes it a great tackle, let alone [how close to the line he was].”
Trbojevic captained NSW to an Origin series victory last year, but was overlooked completely this year, which has only allowed him to stay physically and mentally fresh for seventh-placed Manly’s charge home.
“You’re always disappointed to miss out, but that’s life, and I do feel fresh, especially after a couple of byes,” he said. “We need to keep it going this weekend against Canterbury, who are a bloody good side.”
Manly will welcome back star second-rower Haumole Olakau’atu, whose battle with opposite number Viliame Kikau looms as a highlight. The Dogs will take their home game to Allianz Stadium as part of 30-year grand final celebrations, marking their victory over the Sea Eagles in the 1995 decider.
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