Anthony Seibold has revealed discussions over the future of Tom Trbojevic are underway, with the Manly superstar set to return from injury in the coming weeks.
The 27-year-old has struggled with injuries for a large part of his NRL career, with his latest setback coming in round 10 after suffering a hamstring strain.
Trbojevic has missed the past month and isn’t expected back until round 18 against the Cowboys in a major boost for the Sea Eagles’ hopes of playing finals football.
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However, question marks over Trbojevic’s future at fullback have been swirling during his absence, with young gun Lehi Hopoate filling in and doing an admirable job.
Speaking to 9News Sydney, Seibold refused to rule out a move to centre for Manly’s marquee man and revealed the club are leaving no stone unturned in making a decision.
“We’ve had a number of conversations about position,” the coach said.
“Rather than just think about the change of position subjectively, we’ve had a really good objective look at the GPS data. What we’ve wanted to see is, what are the demands of a fullback and what are the demands of a centre?
“To be frank, from a data point of view, there’s not a whole heap of difference.
“There’s a little bit more change of pace as a fullback, but there’s a lot more contact when you’re playing centre. There’s a number of things we need to consider and we’ve got a couple of weeks until we have to make that decision.”
Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Trbojevic has starred out wide in the Origin arena, dominating for the Blues and helping lead them to a series victory in 2021 – the same year he won the Dally M Medal.
The majority of his NRL career has been spent in the No.1 jumper and his influence on the Sea Eagles has been well-documented, which is why Seibold won’t force Trbojevic to play in a position where he’s not comfortable.
“I’m still leaning – but I also want his input too,” he said.
“He’s an elite player, so I don’t want to make the decision solely. We’ve been collaborating and communicating the whole time, but I want to do what’s best for Turbo.
“If it’s best to put him in the centres, that’s what we will do – but I still think his best position is fullback.”
Anthony Seibold has revealed discussions over the future of Tom Trbojevic are underway, with the Manly superstar set to return from injury in the coming weeks.
The 27-year-old has struggled with injuries for a large part of his NRL career, with his latest setback coming in round 10 after suffering a hamstring strain.
Trbojevic has missed the past month and isn’t expected back until round 18 against the Cowboys in a major boost for the Sea Eagles’ hopes of playing finals football.
READ MORE: Gus reveals bolter to flip Origin series for NSW
READ MORE: NRL boss sends warning to clubs amid Galvin pursuit
READ MORE: Manly’s bold call on ‘cult hero’ amid career revival
However, question marks over Trbojevic’s future at fullback have been swirling during his absence, with young gun Lehi Hopoate filling in and doing an admirable job.
Speaking to 9News Sydney, Seibold refused to rule out a move to centre for Manly’s marquee man and revealed the club are leaving no stone unturned in making a decision.
“We’ve had a number of conversations about position,” the coach said.
“Rather than just think about the change of position subjectively, we’ve had a really good objective look at the GPS data. What we’ve wanted to see is, what are the demands of a fullback and what are the demands of a centre?
“To be frank, from a data point of view, there’s not a whole heap of difference.
“There’s a little bit more change of pace as a fullback, but there’s a lot more contact when you’re playing centre. There’s a number of things we need to consider and we’ve got a couple of weeks until we have to make that decision.”
Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Trbojevic has starred out wide in the Origin arena, dominating for the Blues and helping lead them to a series victory in 2021 – the same year he won the Dally M Medal.
The majority of his NRL career has been spent in the No.1 jumper and his influence on the Sea Eagles has been well-documented, which is why Seibold won’t force Trbojevic to play in a position where he’s not comfortable.
“I’m still leaning – but I also want his input too,” he said.
“He’s an elite player, so I don’t want to make the decision solely. We’ve been collaborating and communicating the whole time, but I want to do what’s best for Turbo.
“If it’s best to put him in the centres, that’s what we will do – but I still think his best position is fullback.”
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