Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold insists Tom Trbojevic will be fine for Saturday’s semi-final against the Roosters after the superstar fullback battled through the pain during his side’s thrilling 24-22 win over Canterbury.
Trbojevic missed the final round of the season due to a grade three AC joint injury he suffered against Canterbury a fortnight ago, but the club was adamant from the moment it happened that he’d be fine for Sunday’s elimination final.
The early prognosis was correct but the luckless fullback didn’t have his usual impact in just the fifth finals game of his career as he battled shoulder and knee injuries all afternoon.
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Trbojevic made an early error which was punished the following set by Jacob Kiraz who opened the scoring, while he was belted on the ground by Viliame Kikau who was keen to test out his shoulder.
Manly’s main man needed a painkilling injection at halftime and was a bit more involved after that as his side scored two late tries to finish over the top of the Bulldogs.
“He did get another needle at halftime, but that was always planned,” Seibold said.
“He did land on it in the first half but you saw that he probably got a bit more involved in the second half.
“He’s fine. He’ll be right to go again.”
Trbojevic finished with 144 metres from 21 runs but only had two tackle busts in one of his quieter outings for the season as Manly found a way to fight back with their halves stepping up in the big moments.
Seibold wrapped with the WINNING try | 09:11
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He’ll be given a few days off to recover with the Sea Eagles on light duties ahead of their showdown with the Roosters where Trbojevic will take on James Tedesco in a battle of the fullbacks.
“We’ve only got a six day turnaround so we’ll review and do medicals tomorrow and do some recovery,” Seibold said, unsure whether Jason Saab will be right to return from an ankle injury.
“He can move and run, but we’ve got to see how much training he does on Wednesday.
“We won’t do a whole heap on Wednesday. We’ll get what we need to get done in prep for the Roosters and then we go again. Turbo will be a part of the plan.”
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