Jake Trbojevic’s Determination Amid Eye Injury
Jake Trbojevic is facing a challenging situation after sustaining an eye injury during a recent match, but the 32-year-old forward remains determined to play for Manly as they aim for a third consecutive win against the Cowboys on Thursday. Despite still struggling to see out of his right eye, Trbojevic has confirmed that he will be fit enough to start in the upcoming game.
The injury occurred during a tackle in the match against St George Illawarra, where Trbojevic was forced off the field with his eye completely shut. He later received stitches for a cut beneath his eye, but he assured fans that he was not concussed and that the injury wasn’t painful.
“I didn’t hurt, I wasn’t concussed, which was the main thing, but it closed up so quickly that I could no longer see,” Trbojevic said on Sunday. “It’s slowly opening today. I still look absolutely glamorous.”
Trbojevic added that he would have continued playing if he could have opened his eye. However, he emphasized that he is confident he will be ready for the crucial match against the Cowboys.
Contract Decision and Future Plans
While Trbojevic is focused on the immediate future, he also revealed that he is considering extending his career with Manly for another 12 months instead of retiring. The player mentioned that there is no official deadline for him to decide on his contract for 2027, stating that it is more of a “gentleman’s agreement” with the club.
This decision comes after a difficult period for the Sea Eagles, who had slumped to three straight losses, leading to the axing of coach Anthony Seibold. Under caretaker coach Kieran Foran, the team has turned things around, securing wins over the Dolphins and Dragons.
Trbojevic praised Foran’s impact on the group and expressed hope that continued success on the field would make it easier for him to commit to playing beyond this year. He emphasized that whether Foran remains as the permanent coach or another coach is appointed, it won’t influence his decision.
“‘Foz’ was such a great competitor and leader as a player, he was such a passionate person, and all of those qualities have rubbed off on the playing group,” Trbojevic said. “Winning definitely helps everything. Hopefully we can keep building on the last couple of games.”
Focus on the Upcoming Match
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Trbojevic remains focused on the next challenge. He admitted that he is only thinking about the game against the Cowboys and is not getting ahead of himself.
“I just want to make sure I can keep offering my best self – I want to keep playing to the level that is acceptable. That’s what I’ll base my decision on. There’s no real deadline. There’s a certain respect from both sides.”
Injuries and Team Changes
Meanwhile, Penrith will be without back-rower Liam Martin, who suffered a high-grade medial cruciate ligament injury during a match against the Bulldogs. Medical staff confirmed that Martin is expected to be sidelined for up to eight weeks, which would rule him out of the start of the State of Origin series.
Martin has had a frustrating season, having previously missed the first two premiership games due to a grade-two calf tear sustained during the pre-season.
In the absence of Martin, Canterbury’s Jacob Preston and Manly’s Haumole Olakau’atu are seen as the top contenders for the Blues’ vacant right back-row spot.
