Manly Sea Eagles veteran Jake Trbojevic has reflected on his early NRL days, acknowledging that he perhaps "took for granted" the experience of playing alongside his brother, Tom. At 31, Jake was the first of the Trbojevic siblings to make it into the NRL, with Tom joining him on the field shortly after Jake’s debut. Ben, their younger brother, has also joined the Sea Eagles and has been earning a more prominent role in the team under coach Anthony Seibold.
In an interview with Nine’s Marlee and Me, Jake expressed his appreciation for playing alongside his brothers, particularly as Ben has begun his career in first grade. "Tom debuted when I was playing my fifth game, and now that Ben is in the mix, we realise just how special it is to share the field together," Jake stated. He added that this camaraderie inspires him to perform at his best.
The Trbojevic brothers grew up supporting the Sea Eagles and have since become beloved figures among fans. As a leader on and off the field, Jake admits that he sometimes relies on his younger siblings to help keep him grounded amid the pressures of weekly matches. "You’re always their brother first, caring for them and wanting them to succeed," he noted, adding that the sport can be stressful at times. Far from being merely teammates, their bond has strengthened as they navigate the highs and lows of their careers together.
Jake mentioned that the experience of playing alongside Tom and Ben is no longer something they overlook. "It’s definitely something we don’t take for granted anymore," he concluded.
As Manly prepares to open its season against the Cowboys on Saturday night, the Trbojevic brothers look forward to another year of shared experiences and the thrills of NRL football.