Why Tom Trbojevic is refusing to entertain early retirement following his latest hamstring injury
Injured Manly superstar Tom Trbojevic says he has no intention of letting his latest hamstring injury force him into early retirement.
Trbojevic is also eager to see what his Sea Eagles team-mate Tolu Koula can do while waiting on the sidelines and is even open to giving up the No.1 jersey if coach Kieran Foran believes it is the best option for his long-term health and his team.
The man known as ‘Turbo’ broke down in the 13th minute against the Cowboys in Townsville last Thursday night.
The shattered look on his face as he left the field knowing he would have another long period of rehab could have melted the hearts of opposition fans, especially considering his injury history.
This was Trbojevic’s eighth hamstring injury in as many seasons.
“I understand there will be a lot of people asking this question and saying different things about it. [early retirement]but I love playing football, I want to continue playing the game I love, so this is something I won’t even enjoy,” Trbojevic told this imprint.
“All I can do is keep working hard. “It’s unfortunate and I’m as disappointed as any Manly fan.
“The hardest thing is that there are no direct answers to why this keeps happening.
“We will apply what we have learned [Melbourne-based hamstring expert] David [Opar]Stay informed and work to improve our recovery program.
“I actually felt good all year. I knew it as soon as it happened. It didn’t happen when I was running. I actually did it when I was competing. I was trying to bend and my leg extended in a bit of a weird way.
“It’s not a great feeling coming off the field. You work so hard to avoid injuries when you realize where you’re going to end up.” [in rehab] It’s always sad for the next part.
It is a blow not only for Manly but also for NSW, with 29-year-old Trbojevic facing up to eight weeks out. Blues coach Laurie Daley confirmed he likes to play Turbo in full flight and with confidence.
Koula started at fullback in the win against the Cowboys and had an outstanding performance.
The Tongan international and former sprint star will wear the No.1 against Parramatta on Sunday afternoon.
Another water cooler debate when it comes to Trbojevic and his unfortunate injuries is whether the physical demands of playing full-back are doing more harm than good to his body. After the defeat last season, he played a few games in the centers.
“I’m trying not to get too caught up in this debate,” Trbojevic said.
“That’s where I like to play full-back, but I’ll do whatever it takes ‘Foz’ [Foran] He wants me to do it.
“Tolu is a quality player and someone I am looking forward to watching. He is an absolute threat with the ball in his hands and breaks tackles very easily. All I can do is focus on recovery and do my best for the team.”
Trbojevic made a point of watching the second half against the Cowboys from the coaching box, and Foran said last Friday how valuable it is to trust a player like him in real time.
“It’s been a great luxury; we want him on the pitch, he won’t be there for the next few weeks, but we get an advantage by having him in the box,” Foran said.
