Tom Trbojevic will return when the Sea Eagles take on the Cowboys in Townsville next weekend, with the club confirming their marquee man will move to the centres.
The 27-year-old hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring injury against the Dolphins in round 10, continuing a horror run for the Manly superstar.
Trbojevic has donned the No.1 jumper for a large majority of his first grade career, but will make his comeback out wide, with young gun Lehi Hopoate to remain at fullback.
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The move to centres is seen as a way to take a load off Trbojevic’s body and extend his career and he told The Sydney Morning Herald he is ready for the challenge.
Tom Trbojevic in action for the Sea Eagles against the Dolphins. NRL Images
“It’s going to be a different challenge, but one I’m excited about,” he said.
“The new position keeps me mentally fresh as well. I’ve been back running at full speed the past couple of weeks. There have been no dramas … I don’t want to jinx anything. I was pretty rattled by the last injury.
“I’m probably not in the position to demand what I can or can’t do. There’s a bit more contact defensively in the centres, but attacking wise, the positions are similar.
“I’ve played centre before; I’ve played Origin there. I just want to get back playing.”
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The aforementioned Hopoate has played fullback for the past four matches and has shown plenty of promise, while speedster Tolu Koula is also no stranger to the role.
Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold said in May the pair had shared “a number of conversations” around what Trbojevic’s return might look like.
Lehi Hopoate has been in strong form since making his NRL debut. Getty
Having debuted as Manly’s wing back in 2015, Trbojevic made the permanent switch to fullback midway through 2016 and has remained there ever since.
While most of his club footy has been at fullback, Trbojevic has played his entire Origin career in the centres – an arena where he has excelled in the past.
Seibold also said in May he was open to playing Trbojevic at five-eighth, but it appears unlikely the local junior will knock Luke Brooks out of that spot any time soon.
Trbojevic’s return next weekend means he will have one opportunity to impress NSW Blues selector before the decider at Suncorp Stadium.