Tom and Jake Trbojevic negotiating Manly Sea Eagles contract extensions
Tom and Jake Trbojevic have begun negotiations to extend their Manly careers in a move that could threaten the stability of the Sea Eagles’ backline.
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Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic will seek a three-year contract extension until the end of 2029 with his brother Jake to ask for a new one-season deal.
If his contract negotiations are successful, which is expected, Jake would more than likely retire after 2027.
Both players will complete their current contracts next season before trying to finalise negotiations around new contracts at Brookvale.
Tom’s new contract could be worth around $850,000 a year, a pay cut from his current $1.1m annual contract, with Jake looking at a new deal worth around $550,000 a season.
Those close to the pair think Tom could earn $900,000 a season with Jake at $600,000.
This masthead can confirm Manly CEO Tony Mestrov met with the Trbojevic’s agent, Paul Sutton, in Sydney last week.
The talks were primarily around Jake’s deal for 2027 but discussions also moved to include Tom’s extension.
Mestrov preferred not to comment, claiming contract negotiations were confidential.
While no formal offers have been lodged, talks between Mestrov and Sutton were deemed positive with both parties working amicably.
Jake is still only 31, three years older than Tom.
Manly is aware that the brothers want to continue their stellar careers and are conscious of the lofty standing and respect the pair have on Sydney’s northern beaches.
Tom and Jake would be free agents after November 1 but there is a general acceptance the pair would never play against Manly.
A three-year deal would ensure Tom enjoys the financial benefit of a likely salary cap increase after the next broadcast deal has been completed for 2028.
Tom has been dogged by injuries throughout his career but remains one of rugby league’s finest players when fit and firing.
The Sea Eagles want to avoid a similar contract drama encountered when skipper Daly Cherry-Evans announced earlier this year that he would leave the club after this season.
Tom’s likely extension may lead to questions around the future of young Lehi Hopoate, who primarily plays on the wing but has excelled when moved to fullback. Hopoate comes off contract after 2027.
Tom missed last week’s win over Brisbane through a corked thigh and was unavailable for Thursday night’s away match against Newcastle with Hopoate to again play fullback.
Manly insist Tom is a fullback and have no plans for a shift into the centres so Hopoate could assume the fullback role fulltime.
Close friends say Tom’s interest in Super Leagues is minimal.
Warhorse Jake has played in the middle for almost a decade now and has been a formidable force since debuting back in 2013.
Tom made his NRL debut two years later. Some believe Tom’s best football is still ahead of him. Jake will play lock in Thursday night’s match against the Knights.
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Originally published as Tom and Jake Trbojevic negotiating Manly Sea Eagles contract extensions
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