Toovey's fear for Manly over Trbojevic setback
True Blue Geoff Toovey believes Manly will face an uphill battle for the start of the NRL season based on the fact the Sea Eagles struggle to win without talismanic fullback Tom Trbojevic.
Trbojevic is expected to miss at least the first four rounds after injuring his right hamstring during a bathroom mishap. It is the opposite hamstring to the one which kept him sidelined for most of last season.
Toovey, a former Sea Eagles premiership winner and the man who gave Trbojevic his debut match in 2015 pointed out the significant impact the No.1 has on his side’s on-field results.
Since the beginning of 2019 the Sea Eagles have won 14 of the 19 games Trbojevic has played and have lost 20 from 28 when the fullback has been unavailable.
“It’s obviously a problematic issue that he has got,” Toovey said.
“We know what the stats are when he’s not in the team – it’s much harder for them to win.
“He (Trbojevic) is a vital player for Manly to be successful this year and hopefully the sooner he gets back, the better for Manly and their fans,” he said.
Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler, who was without Trbojevic for last year’s Origin series loss following his injury battle, said the latest blow was “heartbreaking” news for the Manly-Warringah supporters and the rest of the Sea Eagles playing group.
“From a Manly fans’ point of view, everyone wants to see him play,” Fittler said.
“From a team point of view, he gives so much confidence to his teammates.
“Of course, there’s the personal point of view that he has just struggled with hamstring injuries which can be so mental, and that brings a lot of frustration with the injury.
“We all wish Tom all the best in his recovery and hope to see him back on the field very soon.”