By Billie Eder
Tom Trbojevic’s Manly teammates say they had no idea their star fullback had tried to take a pay cut as a gesture of good faith after injuries limited him to just 28 games in three seasons.
Sea Eagles players were as unaware as anyone that Trbojevic had proposed reducing his $1.15 million salary by almost a quarter earlier this season, after spending two months on the sideline, until this masthead reported the story on Monday.
But, as Trbojevic prepares to mark his 150th NRL game when the Sea Eagles face the Bulldogs on Friday night, his teammates say he is worth every cent of his bumper pay packet.
“It just goes to show the type of guy he is,” said centre Reuben Garrick. “He really wants to see the club do well. We’re a much better side when he plays. It’s a testament to him. A lot of people out in the world are never doing that, but he is worth every cent that we pay him. I have no qualms in his contract, he is worth every cent.”
Hooker Lachlan Croker said he wasn’t surprised when he heard the news.
“It wouldn’t surprise anyone [in the team], but I think it would more make them upset that he thought he needed to do that,” Croker said.
Tom Trbojevic on his way to the try line on Thursday night against the Tigers.Credit: NRL Photos
“Because to us, he has more than done enough to have that price tag. What he earns, he definitely deserves. Especially considering the impact he has had on mine and other’s careers, let alone the performances he has had post-2021 and post the injuries.”
On Tuesday, Trbojevic was reluctant to discuss the selfless act – which was rejected by the NRL’s salary cap auditor because it could set a dangerous precedent – but said he approached the club about it because the injury this year “hit me a bit harder than it probably has in the past.”
“I don’t really know what there is to say,” Trbojevic said. “We explored a few options with the club, and it wasn’t meant to be. I’m excited to have another few years here, so I’m excited to work hard and hopefully play some more good footy.
“I don’t think I have to go deep into what I was thinking. I just thought it would be a good option for the club moving forward, but it wasn’t to be. We looked into it, it didn’t work out. We move forward now and keep going.”
Trbojevic has scored nine tries since returning in round 18, including a hat trick in Manly’s shock loss to the Tigers last week.
Trbojevic said he thought he was playing his best football since winning his Dally M medal back in 2021.
“Probably [playing my best since 2021]. It’s about not getting complacent with that and trying to get better,” he said. “Obviously, it’s nice to be playing some good footy, but there are a lot of areas me and the team can get better at.”
“I think I have been someone who has been able to manage the reconditioning process well.
“I have been in that room a few times, and I have a new reconditioning guy who is awesome to work with. I have been able to manage it well and get confidence back.
“Just believe in yourself. And if you’re able to go out there and perform on the field, you grow from that.”
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