Manly unveil their new captain … in the car park at Narrabeen

3 months ago 16

Tom Trbojevic has never been one for fanfare, so it was fitting he was announced as the new Manly captain in the humble surroundings of the car park of the training complex at Narrabeen.

In scenes that made a mockery of the club’s “Silvertails” reputation, coach Anthony Seibold sipped on a takeaway coffee early on Monday before informing the playing group Trbojevic would be their new leader.

Manly announced Tom Trbojevic’s captaincy news in a Narrabeen car park.

Trbojevic only inked a one-year extension a couple of weeks ago. Now he is the man who will take charge of the team in the post-Daly Cherry-Evans era.

The 29-year-old fullback dressed down for the occasion in a $30 pair of sandals and socks.

Brother Jake Trbojevic led NSW to an Origin series win in 2024, and would have been most pundits’ pick as the player most likely to succeed Cherry-Evans.

But with uncertainty surrounding whether the lock will even play on beyond next year, the smart option was to anoint his younger sibling. Tom was due back at training on Monday, along with recruit Jamal Fogarty.

“Tom leads through his actions on and off the field,” Seibold said of Trbojevic’s appointment.

“On the field, he is an elite player who has a big influence on team performance. Off the field, not only is he highly respected by his teammates, but he is a highly regarded member of the northern beaches community. I know he’ll do a great job as captain.”

Trbojevic sad of the new role: “This means a lot to me, and I’m thrilled to take on the captaincy. It’s a privilege and I feel very honoured to take on the role. It’s a proud moment.

“The next few months of pre-season will be tough, but it’s an exciting time for all of us as we prepare for the new season.”

Tom, Jake and Haumole Olakau’atu were all part of the leadership group last year, with the latter hopeful of one day taking on the captaincy himself when the time is right.

In other news, Jye Gray, a one-time R360 target, has inked a three-year extension with South Sydney, which will keep him at the club until the end of 2029.

The immediate debate among Souths fans will be whether Gray starts at fullback ahead of centre option Latrell Mitchell, or reverts to being a strike player off the bench.

Recruitment boss Mark Ellison said of Gray: “He is safe under the high ball, he returns the ball with great speed, his footwork is mesmerising, and his defence is inspiring.”