Tom Trbojevic injured again as Manly thrash Cowboys
Joel Gould
Manly will be struggling after star full-back Tom Trbojevic suffered another hamstring injury following the 38-6 defeat in North Queensland.
The Sea Eagles captain went down clutching his left hamstring in the 13th minute of Thursday night’s game against the Cowboys in Townsville.
The history of similar injuries is long, and the devastation on his face was palpable.
Former North Queensland star Brent Tate, who was on the sidelines on Fox League commentary, said it was “really disappointing”.
Respected physiotherapist Brien Seeney, known as “NRL Physio” on social media, told X that this was Trbojevic’s eighth hamstring injury in the last eight seasons, four in each leg.
Manly’s win was the third in a row for interim coach Kieran Foran, who has maintained an unbeaten run since taking over from sacked former head mentor Anthony Seibold.
Foran became the first manager since Brad Fittler took charge of the Roosters in 2007 to take over mid-season and win his first three games.
Manly are currently fourth and Foran will make his debut as manager at home against struggling Parramatta next week.
The Cowboys, who had won their previous four games, made too many mistakes and were overshadowed by the team that was so stellar last month.
The Sea Eagles, who have made a great start to this season, opened the scoring with a try to wing Lehi Hopoate in the eighth following some masterful work from Luke Brooks.
As Trbojevic left the field, Hopoate scored his second goal in the 17th minute.
The Cowboys hit back with a brace from Coen Hess, but Manly half Jamal Fogarty then kicked home for Ben Trbojevic to chase and score.
Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater kicks in his 150th NRL match. Hopoate went on the attack and could have scored a goal of his own, but at the start of the first half he passed the goal to hooker Brandon Wakeham to take a 22-6 lead.
Manly received good injury news just before the break, with lock Jake Trbojevic making it through the category two HIA.
The Sea Eagles moved Tolutau Koula to fullback, with Tom Trbojevic coming out and replacing Clayton Faulalo at centre.
In the second half, Koula, who was doing a great job in his new position, made a fantastic try-save tackle on winger Brandon Burns, who was lethargic for some reason when he looked confident of scoring.
Moments later prop Taniela Paseka struck to secure the win.
Brooks was outstanding and was rewarded with a late try when he tracked half Jamal Fogarty through the weak Cowboys defence.
Fiery Manly prop Kobe Hetherington stood up during a split in his captain’s absence.
AAP
