From injury hell to Kangaroos stunner: Turbo embracing surprise switch
Tom Trbojevic says he is “happy to play wherever” he is needed for the Kangaroos, even if it means he will start in a position he has not played in eight years.
Trbojevic was recalled to the representative arena for the first time in two years by coach Kevin Walters, who is set to shift him out of fullback and onto the wing for the Rugby League World Cup.
Trbojevic has not played for Australia since the 2024 Pacific Championships. 9News
It will mark the first time since the 2018 State of Origin series that Trbojevic has played on the wing, having typically been moved to the centres if not at fullback.
While the 30-year-old has become used to playing on the edge at rep level, the role of a winger is vastly different to when he last played it.
Trbojevic was quizzed by Nine’s Danny Weidler about whether he has practiced the electric one-handed put downs that fans have come to love seeing from wingers.
The Manly star was adamant he is worthy of the role.
“I’m happy to play wherever Kevvy wants me,” he told 9News.
“I am happy to go out there and do a job. It’s been a few years now ... we will work it out.”
Asked if he is ready to take on the challenge, he replied: “Of course, of course.”
Trbojevic will be doing everything possible to keep his body healthy throughout this series after a torrid run with injuries over the last two years.
His hamstring injuries have become almost an inevitability, ruling him out for three months in 2026, due to muscle tears in both legs. One of those injuries after a seemingly innocuous movement, left him in tears and disconsolate in the Sea Eagles dressing room.
“It hasn’t been the smoothest run for me, but I still love playing the game,” he said.
“I am still heavily motivated to do well and achieve a lot in this game. That is what keeps me coming back.”
Tom Trbojevic has seven caps with the Kangaroos. Getty
While Trbojevic was praised for keeping a positive attitude during those hard times, he did make clear that he has dark days during his rehabilitation stints.
However, he insists not once has he thought his rugby league career was “done”.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve always got the best attitude. There are days when you are down and stuff goes on ... but that’s just life and that’s rugby league,” Trbojevic said.
“For me, it is just accepting where I am and how I can move forward.”
Looking beyond the next month of competition, Trbojevic is not concerned by the talks around his future at Manly as he prepares to hit the market on November 1.
But Trbojevic, who has one year remaining on his deal with the Sea Eagles, has no interest in negotiating with rival NRL clubs.
“I’m not entirely sure where it is all at, but everyone looks at this November 1 deadline like it is the be all and end all,” he said.
“The reality is that I still have another year left here and this is the place where I want to play my footy. I’m sure something will get done. It’s where I want to finish.
“I haven’t instructed (my manager) in any way, I’m just not sure where those conversations are at, but this is where I want to play.”
