'Wouldn't risk it': Manly skipper Tom Trbojevic worse for wear after brutal blows in massive win
Updated . First published at
Sea Eagles captain Tom Trbojevic was taken off after copping two nasty knocks in quick succession during his side's win against the Dolphins.
Trbojevic was at his damaging best on Thursday night, scoring his side's opening try before setting up another in a shock 52-18 onslaught in Redcliffe.
However, the 29-year-old was also on the receiving-end of two brutal blows.
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First, the fullback took a high ball and was clobbered by a chasing Connelly Lemuelu, who was placed on report for high contact.
Trbojevic was cleared to stay on the field after that tackle, but just moments later was in the wars again after a three-man tackle from the Dolphins.
Replays showed the back of his head smack into the turf and he was slow to get up.
"Nothing illegal, all part of the tackle" Andrew Johns said on Nine.
"The back of his head hits the ground hard. You wouldn't risk it, just bring him off."
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Trbojevic was taken from the field and walked up the tunnel with doctor Nathan Gibbs.
Nine's Bronte Gildea revealed it was a category two for the Manly skipper and was cleared after his 15-minute testing period, but did not return to the field.
Tom Trbojevic leaves the field. Nine
"I passed the HIA but they didn't want me to go back on," he told Nine post-game.
"It's all right, I don't mind the early mark."
Last week, his older brother Jake was taken from the field for a HIA but was cleared of any concussion after a horror run last season.
Manly proved far too strong for the Dolphins on the road, less than a week after Anthony Seibold was sacked as head coach and replaced by Kieran Foran.
