Jake Trbojevic, the determined forward for the Manly Sea Eagles, expressed his frustration over the team’s inconsistent performance while recovering from a recent concussion. In an interview on Saturday, he described watching the Sea Eagles suffer a 30-10 defeat against the Parramatta Eels as particularly disheartening. The loss left Manly in ninth place on the ladder, struggling with five wins and six losses as they headed into round 12.
Despite some standout victories this season, including a significant 40-12 win over the Raiders, the Sea Eagles have also faced disappointing losses like the 48-24 defeat to the Storm. On Friday night, Manly was missing their captain, Daly Cherry-Evans, due to State of Origin commitments, while Parramatta also played without key players Mitchell Moses and Zac Lomax.
Trbojevic reflected on the team’s potential, noting that when they perform at their best, they can compete with anyone — particularly at Brookvale Oval when the team is at full strength and injury-free. However, he admitted that the stark contrast between their top and bottom performances has been a source of frustration over the past few years.
He emphasised the need for the team to improve their consistency, stating, “We’ve got to narrow that gap,” pointing out that it involves collective responsibility across the squad. Although they have delivered remarkable performances, the varying quality of their games leaves them disappointed.
Regarding his health, Trbojevic’s concussion, which occurred just before NSW announced its squad for State of Origin, was his second in a month. The club is proceeding cautiously, with Trbojevic scheduled to meet with an independent doctor as part of the concussion protocols. Coach Anthony Seibold confirmed they would prioritise the player’s well-being, allowing him to recover fully before returning to the field.
Overall, Trbojevic’s sentiments encapsulate the challenges faced by the Sea Eagles as they navigate their season, striving for consistency while managing injuries and player availability.