Tom Trbojevic linked with shock NRL exit as Manly face Lehi Hopoate headache

Tom Trbojevic has been tipped to leave Manly at the end of his contract, while his brother Jake is set to remain on the Northern Beaches.

Injury-plagued Sea Eagles superstar Tom Trbojevic has been tipped to leave the club at the end of his current deal, with the English Super League tossed up as a potential new home for the man affectionately known as ‘Turbo’.

The 28-year-old is on a reported $1.1 million per season but has found himself on the physio table more often than on the field in recent years.

Between 2018 and 2025, Trbojevic has only played more than 20 games a season on two occasions.

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And since winning the 2021 Dally M Medal, Trbojevic has averaged just 12.8 games per season due to a string of injuries.

Trbojevic even offered to give a large chunk of his salary back last year after feeling so bad about collecting over a million dollars per season, but only playing a handful of games. That move was rejected by the NRL.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the club has commenced contract talks with the management team of the Manly fullback and his brother Jake, who are both signed until the end of next season.

But in a bombshell new development, it has been reported that the superstar fullback is prepared to walk, so as to not block the development of other young backs at the club.

Tom Trbojevic has been linked to a move to the Super League. Image: Getty

Deputising for Trbojevic at fullback this year, 20-year-old Lehi Hopoate has been outstanding.

His speed and agility has sent tongues wagging and even led to the likes of Roosters great Bryan Fletcher suggesting that even when Trbojevic is fit Hopoate should be Manly’s No.1.

“He is way too good, it’s clearly evident, he needs to be around the ball because things happen,” Fletcher said on SEN on Monday.

“He is too valuable to this team to be playing on the wing. I know Tom is a terrific fullback … he has to be in the centres. Things happen around Hopoate.

“He has signed for three more years there. He cannot play on the wing. If he is still on the wing in three years’ time his management, I would expect him, to be looking elsewhere.”

But it isn’t just Hopoate that has Trbojevic considering if it is best for the club for him to leave.

They also have livewires Tolu Koula and Clayton Faalalo, with their form so strong that it has kept the likes of Tommy Talau and Jason Saab out of the team throughout various stages of the season.

Tom Trbojevic has had a horror run with injuries. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

The Sea Eagles are keen to keep both Tom and Jake Trbojevic. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

And according to SMH, if Trbojevic’s re-signing will cost the team any of their young backline stars, the fullback would prefer to leave to join the Super League.

Trbojevic has reportedly informed those close to him that if push came to shove he would prefer to play in England than for a Manly rival in the NRL.

But even still the Sea Eagles are reportedly keen to keep Trbojevic and his older brother Jake.

However, if both are to pen an extension it will be on significantly less than what they are currently being paid.

Jake is currently on around $900,000 and the club are reportedly willing to offer a one-year extension worth around $500,000.

While Tom will likely have to take a similar haircut on his pay packet to around the $700,000 a season mark.

Originally published as Tom Trbojevic linked with shock NRL exit as Manly face Lehi Hopoate headache