Tom Trbojevic admits he shed tears after latest injury blow, backs Kieran Foran to be head coach permanently
Tom Trbojevic has admitted to shedding tears in the dressing rooms after suffering his eighth hamstring injury in as many seasons – but said he wasn't tempted to quit rugby league.
The superstar fullback also delivered a glowing endorsement of Kieran Foran and said he'd love his former teammate to retain the Manly head coaching gig beyond this season.
Trbojevic, 29, is facing up to eight weeks on the sidelines after suffering another hamstring strain early in Manly's clash with North Queensland last Thursday night.
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Devastated, he tilted his head back and looked to the heavens as he hobbled from the field in Townsville. He then tried to come to terms with his latest blow as he slumped on a seat in the sheds.
In an interview that aired on 9News on Wednesday night, Danny Weidler asked the 2021 Dally M Medal winner if tears were shed in the dressing rooms, to which he said: "There were a few."
Tom Trbojevic hobbles off in Townsville. Getty
He's shown glimpses of his scintillating best in the years since claiming his Dally M gong, but reoccurring injuries have denied him consistency.
"I feel like I put a lot of work in to getting my body right and I have a really good team at Manly that I do a lot of work with," Trbojevic said.
"You just want to be able to go out there and play footy."
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He said there was only one way to quieten the voice of doubt in his head.
"I think the only way you can do it is working hard to get out of it and then get back out there and get confidence in doing what you love doing," he said.
"I think for me, being someone who thinks a lot and overthinks things, it's probably going to be around for a while.
"I wouldn't say I feel like quitting. I'm someone that doesn't like letting people down."
The Sea Eagles have enjoyed a stunning revival under Foran since the 2011 premiership winner took over as head coach on an interim basis.
Since Anthony Seibold was shown the door after round five, the Sea Eagles have thrashed the Dolphins 52-18, defeated the Dragons 28-18 and belted the Cowboys 38-6.
Interim Sea Eagles head coach Kieran Foran. Getty
Even more indicative of the impact Foran has had is Manly have suddenly gone from looking completely disinterested to playing with vigour and heart.
Asked if he'd like Foran to be given the head coaching job on a permanent basis, Trbojevic said he'd "love him to be".
"What he's done since coming in a few weeks ago has been unbelievable," he said.
"The way the boys have responded to everything he's saying and the belief and passion he's brought back to this jersey, I would love him to be the full-time coach.
"Definitely the way he motivates us and just the respect he has as a person [are his strengths].
"He will always be one of my favourite players I played with because of the way he played the game, and that's the way he goes about his life and his coaching, and we respect that.
"He thinks a lot about what he says and he's a very good talker and motivator, and when he speaks everyone listens."