Sea Eagles prop Jake Trbojevic is reportedly looking at a $400,000 pay cut if he wants to stay at his boyhood club beyond his current deal.
The New South Wales skipper is currently earning more than $1 million per season on his contract that runs until the end of 2026.
Trbojevic, 31, will hit the open market on November 1 alongside his superstar younger brother Tom and the club could struggle to keep the pair.
Watch your team in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership. Stream every round LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.
“This is going to be the next big story out of the northern beaches because both Tom and Jake are off at the end of 2026, so come November 1 they are open to offers from rival clubs,” James Hooper said on NRL 360.
“Will Jake take a haircut? At his age and given everything he’s already done for that club, I’m sure they want to pay him the utmost respect. But you would think sanity would suggest, given where he’s at that he will.”
Fellow journalist Michael Carayannis said there is no way the oldest Trbojevic can stay on his current salary.
“Come on Hoops, he’s going to have to take a haircut, he’s on more than $1 million. He has to take a pay cut,” he said.
‘Warring managers’ More to DCE decision | 03:07
MORE NRL NEWS
‘ALL ABOUT MONEY’: DCE asked for release 12 months ago in bombshell reveal
MOVING ON: Manly identify DCE replacement as Christmas comes early for Raider
‘SELF SABOTAGE’: Raiders star rejected big money to sign Eels deal before SL switch
DARK HORSE TO DESSIE REUNION: Six likely contenders as DCE sweepstakes begin
Braith Anasta was left stunned that Trbojevic was earning that much and said “oh he’s definitely taking a haircut” before asking the panel what the front-rower is worth.
“To Manly.. in the sixes,” Caryannis said.
“There are a lot of other clubs that might pay him a bit more,” Gorden Tallis responded.
“I couldn’t see Jake leaving. You know how much that jumper and that club means to him. He would take a haircut, absolutely,” Hooper said.
“That’s a big haircut,” Anasta said.
Gus & Politis set for DCE “bidding war” | 04:17
MORE NRL NEWS
‘THEY’RE FILTHY’: Manly seething over DCE ‘blindside’ as ‘bullsh*t’ claim called out
‘HAVEN’T LOW-BALLED’: Manly boss grilled over contract saga, reveals DCE offer
‘MOVING OF POSITION’: Manly’s biggest trump card in DCE succession plan
SUPER SCOUT: Enforcer stuns as NRL clubs circle; ex-Eels coach one-ups former star
Watch LIVE coverage of the 2025 Betfred Super League season on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer
Discussion about this post