Tom Trbojevic hasn’t played for Australia in six years as injuries have caused havoc on not only his club but also his international career. The Manly star has been plagued with a string of different issues down the years from hamstring injuries to shoulder complaints. This season, he returned to the fray just in time to feature in the Sea Eagles’ finals campaign, where he fired them past Canterbury despite clearly still being hampered by injury. Turbo’s NRL campaign came to an end against the Sydney Roosters the following week, but is that the last we’ll see of the 27-year-old in 2024?
Will Trbojevic Play for Australia?
Despite his injury concerns, Trbojevic was included in Mal Meninga’s extended squad for the Pacific Championships. “He hasn’t played for the Aussies for a while,” Meninga told SEN. “But he’s chomping at the bit to put that green and gold jersey on which is wonderful news for us.”
Trbojevic reached the 20-game mark for the first time since 2018 this season, although the fullback still battled with injury as he was sidelined by an AC joint issue in the last weeks of the campaign. He suffered the injury against Canterbury in Round 26 and missed the following week’s loss against Cronulla, before returning to haunt the Bulldogs in their elimination final. Despite not looking himself during the 24-22 epic, he still managed to have a massive hand in the winning play when his carry through the heart of the defence eventually saw the Sea Eagles score the winner in the corner.
Meninga's Praise for Trbojevic
Meninga lavished praise on Trbojevic following his efforts in the finals, labelling him as one of the modern-day greats. “He is one of our greatest players in our game and some say our best fullback,” the coach said while appearing on Fox League before his Aussie side was revealed. “But we all know in representative football you try to put all your best players in there and you try to fit them in the best you can. Tommy played right centre in 2018 and did a terrific job.”
Trbojevic's Fitness in Question
Meninga will now be forced to sweat on the fitness of the former Dally M Medal winner ahead of the tournament, which starts next month against Tonga. Jacob Kiraz was also named in the squad before injury ruled him out of contention, while the likes of Cameron Munster and Nathan Cleary are under severe doubt due to injury problems of their own.
Trbojevic required painkilling injections to take the field for the Sea Eagles' last two games of the campaign and will need to prove his fitness before heading into camp with the Aussies. “He loves the environment and putting on his country’s colours and we’re verry happy to have him,” Meninga stated. “He's a chance [of playing].”
Will Trbojevic Be Ready for the Pacific Championships?
Trbojevic's injury history is a major concern for Australia. However, his determination to play for his country could be the motivation he needs to overcome his latest setback. With the Pacific Championships just around the corner, the clock is ticking for Trbojevic to prove his fitness. If he can recover in time, he will be a valuable asset to the Australian side. But if his injuries continue to plague him, Australia will have to find a way to win without him.
The Pacific Championships will be a tough test for the Australian side, and Trbojevic's presence would be a huge boost. However, with several key players sidelined due to injury, The side will need to find a way to gel quickly and perform at their best. The tournament is sure to be a thrilling spectacle, and fans will be hoping that Trbojevic can recover in time to play a part.
