When Jarryd Hayne caught fire at the back end of 2009 to carry Parramatta to a grand final, many thought they would struggle to see a better purple patch of form.
When Ben Barba produced some magic for Canterbury in 2012, the comparisons began — but many felt the feats of Hayne three years earlier were more memorable.
Yet, the debate rages on. Enter Tom Trbojevic 2021, and perhaps the debate is now over.
In 15 games this year, the Manly fullback has compiled a list of numbers that dwarfs the accomplishments of Hayne and Barba.
It's important to note the adjustments to the rules in the past couple of years have made the game far more attack-friendly, skewing the data in favour of the Manly superstar.
However, some of the game’s most respected minds believe Trbojevic has put together the best stretch of form in the history of the sport.
"The best ever," Phil Gould recently said.
Trbojevic himself admitted he had exceeded his own expectations.
"For the last couple of years I've been so worried about getting on the field and staying fit," Trbojevic said.
“As much as you try and ignore it, it’s always in the back of your mind and probably limited me. I have probably outdone my own expectations for this year, but I’m just having fun. I’m at a spot with my body where I can just enjoy my footy.”
Tom Trbojevic launches another attack from the back against the Cowboys.Credit: Getty
Trbojevic finishes the 2021 regular season with 25 tries in those 15 games. It’s incredible when you consider that in his previous four seasons, the Manly No.1 scored 30 tries in 64 games.
He also finished with 27 try assists, two shy of the 29 he recorded in the previous three seasons.
In 2009, Hayne’s highlight reel was composed mostly of moments from the back half of the season. During the nine-week period that catapulted Parramatta into the top eight, he scored four tries and set up nine.
“I still remember watching Jarryd Hayne,” said Trbojevic, who was 12 years old at the time.
Jarryd Hayne proved close to unstoppable for the Eels in 2009.Credit: Steve Christo
"I just remember this ridiculous try he scored, I think it was against the Dragons, where he almost beat the whole team to score under the posts."
In both Hayne’s and Barba’s breakout years, the pair won the Dally M Medal. It appears as though Trbojevic is on the same trajectory, with Nathan Cleary and Cody Walker the biggest threat to his chances.
In 2012, from 27 games, Barba finished the year with 22 tries, 23 try assists, 27 line breaks.
Trbojevic has averaged 221 metres per game this year, well ahead of Barba (123 metres) and Hayne (170 metres).
Ben Barba in action for the Bulldogs in the 2012 grand final against the Storm.Credit: Quentin Jones
Both Barba and Hayne took their teams to the grand final in their respective seasons, a feat Trbojevic is yet to accomplish in his career.
The common denominator between Barba and Trbojevic is coach Des Hasler, who was instrumental in formulating a game plan that unlocked the Canterbury fullback nine years ago.
The Sea Eagles play Melbourne on the Sunshine Coast in week one of the finals, but even if they are unable to win, they will avoid the Storm until the grand final if they progress.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.