NRL fans left gutted after 'terrible' news about Tom Trbojevic
The Manly Sea Eagles and their fans have been rocked by news that star fullback Tom Trbojevic has suffered what appears to be another hamstring injury, in a cruel blow to the NRL club's pre-season plans. News Corp reports indicate the 26-year-old suffered the injury to his right leg while training with the Manly side on Wednesday.
It's understood Trbojevic - who was looking forward to the 2023 season after spending most of this year on the sidelines - will be sent for “precautionary scans” to determine the extent of the damage. The star fullback has a history of hamstring injuries, with new coach Anthony Seibold and the club's fans hoping it is not too serious.
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Trbojevic reportedly slumped to the ground, before sitting on the grass with his head between his hands after picking up the injury. Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov confirmed that the 2021 Dally M Medallist had been sent for scans but said it was too early to determine how bad the injury is.
Tom Trbojevic is heading for scans on a right hamstring injury suffered at training (via @telegraph_sport). Recovery time a wide range pending severity, but most would still have him fit for Rd1. Obviously of more concern is adding another strain to his hamstring injury history
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) December 14, 2022
“Tom didn’t finish the training session and has gone off for a precautionary scan. I can’t say any more,” he told News Corp.
Manly's fortunes without their best player are stark, with the Sea Eagles' win percentage since 2019 dropping from 68 per cent when he's in the side to just 34 per cent when he is sidelined. The Sea Eagles indicated on Wednesday that even if Trbojevic requires surgery on the latest issue, there are hopeful he will be fit to line up at home to Canterbury in round one next season.
Fans have been quick to react to the news on social media, with many left gutted for the injury-ravaged Manly star. Trbojevic has received a flood of messages from supporters wishing him a speedy recovery and praying that the injury is not too serious.
I’m afraid Tom Trbojevic is one of those players that will never live up to his potential due to injury. It’s quite sad really. I hope he’s ok!
— 𝒥𝒥 (@AcousticAri) December 14, 2022
Absolutely. Terrible news for Turbo. Can only hope it's a minor injury that is a few months at most.
— Trevor T (@trevajct) December 14, 2022
#NRL Oh, dear. Reports of a fresh hamstring injury for Tom Trbojevic sustained at training this morning. https://t.co/PkBglkzz6u
— NRL News (@NRLNEWS) December 14, 2022
BREAKING: Straight out of Manly - Turbo failed to finish training today due to injury. Off for scans.
— Brooke East (@brookeeast99) December 14, 2022
Turbo with another hamstring injury at training. Has played 44 games in the last 4 seasons. At what point do Manly say enough is enough and let him go. Not worth the coin he is on if he can’t stay healthy
— Adam Bagnall (@adsy2586) December 14, 2022
Tom Trbojevic in fresh injury blow after horror 2022
The latest injury setback is just the latest cruel blow for the 2021 Dally M Medal winner, who went down in what turned out to be a season-ending shoulder injury against the Parramatta Eels in May, after landing awkwardly while jostling for a loose ball with with Makahesi Makatoa. Trbojevic had just returned to the field for round 11 after overcoming a knee injury.
The Sea Eagles had hoped their star fullback might return to give Manly a late-season boost, but decided against risking the 26-year-old. The Sea Eagles dropped out of finals contention anyway, after losing their last seven matches of the season - coinciding with the infamous rainbow jersey debacle that saw coach Des Hasler eventually sacked.
Trbojevic and his older brother Jake were close with Hasler and tried unsuccessfully to have clauses inserted into their big-money contracts tied to the former Manly coach. Hasler's messy exit from the club led to speculation the Trbojevic brothers could seek a move away from the club, however, both have since thrown their support behind new coach, Seibold.
The younger of the Trbjoevic brothers declared earlier this month that he was “very happy” at the club and “looking forward” to working with Seibold ahead of the new season.
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