New Manly coach Anthony Seibold has hit back at a suggestion from a club legend that Tom Trbojevic should be moved on.
Club great Peter Peters went on radio earlier this month and said the Sea Eagles should consider cutting ties with the superstar fullback, who last year earnt $1.1 million in salary alone despite playing only seven games.
Since making his NRL debut in 2015, Trbojevic has played 121 games but those have been peppered with ongoing injury dramas.
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He is arguably the most damaging individual in the competition – evidenced by the 2021 Dally M Medal – but Peters argued Trbojevic isn’t worth the money given how often he is injured.
“I think it’s a business decision. He may have to take an early retirement if it keeps going.,” Peters told Big Sports Breakfast.
“He’s played 121 games and he made his debut back in 2015. It’s just not enough games.
“He’s a superstar but it’s like having a Lamborghini full of petrol in the garage, but you can’t drive it because, mechanically, it’s not sound.
“It’s a huge make-or-break for Turbo’s career in the NRL. He’s 26, he’s got so many good years in front of him, if he’s fit.”
When Peters made those comments, Trbojevic was flying to America to consult renowned sports doctor Bill Knowles, after suffering another hamstring injury during pre-season training.
He returned to Sydney this week, and on Tuesday fronted a press conference alongside his new coach, who was asked to respond to the Peters comments.
“It came from a former player of our club, so that was disappointing to hear in the public domain,” Seibold said.
Turbo flies to US to beat dodgy hammy
“I can’t control the commentary from outside the building. The one thing I do know is (Trbojevic) is an important player to our club and where we want to go.
“I think it’s easy to make comments like that, but I don’t think it was an educated comment.”
Trbojevic missed most of last season – as well as the World Cup in England – after sustaining a serious shoulder injury.
He has also battled hamstring issues in the past, and the latest incident only added to the lenghty list.
The 26-year-old is confident his fortnight spent working with Knowles will help him avoid injuries in the future.
“It’s not an overnight fix, it’s a process you need to stick to,” Trbojevic said.
“It’s a long-term process, and I think having that definitely helps my mind, and physically it gives me confidence I can go out there and be in the best position to play footy for as long as I can.”
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