Tom Trbojevic caught up in ugly NRL storm after Manly's $750k salary cap move blocked
Manly insist Trbojevic's offer to part with $750,000 of his contract earnings was done of his own volition.
Accusations Tom Trbojevic was guilted into offering part of his contract money back to Manly insults both parties, according to a key figure involved in the proposal. The Sea Eagles superstar offered to cut his salary by $750,000 over the next two seasons as compensation for missing so much football through injury over the past few years.
Trbojevic's selfless act was knocked back by the NRL, which believed it would open up a dangerous precedent under their strict salary cap regulations. News of the plan has been met with cynicism and scepticism within NRL circles, with some suggesting the player was coerced into the move.
"Gordie and myself couldn't believe it for a second. Do we believe the club had nothing to with him, apparently, walking into the front office (and putting this plan forward)?" NRL360 host Braith Anasta said. "We thought it was a gee-up. We couldn’t for a second believe it would happen.
"We're hearing rumours that it was the club but I can't confirm that. They're just rumours." Suggestions of impropriety have angered senior figures at Manly, who insist Trbojevic approached them with the proposal after he broke down with a hamstring injury following the round 10 loss to the Dolphins.
Manly source reveals hurt caused by Tom Trbojevic accusations
Manly CEO Tony Mestrov declined to comment when contacted by Yahoo Sport Australia, other than to confirm Trbojevic made the initial approach. But a source with knowledge of the situation, who is close to the club and player but requested anonymity, outlined the Sea Eagles' disappointment with the way the matter has been portrayed.
"If you know Tommy at all then you'd know he is the sort of person who would come with an idea like this," the source said. "Not only is he a very loyal person, he's also a very intelligent guy with a strong moral compass.
"He's also a strong-minded bloke who is not easily manipulated. He can think for himself. To suggest the club would go to their best player and ask him to take a pay cut is an outrageous slur. It's an insult to the club and Tom. There is too much mutual respect for it to play out like some people have suggested."
Trbojevic appears to have overcome his injury concerns after returning in round 18, spearheading Manly's charge to the finals. The Sea Eagles can finish anywhere between fifth and eighth depending on results over the last two rounds.
