Tommy Turbo Eyes No.1 League Fullback

He may be behind Blues teammate James Tedesco and 2018 Dally M winner Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, but Tom Trbojevic has the statistics to help bring Manly its first Dally M fullback of the year since Matthew Ridge.

Picture Above: Manly and Blues star Tom Trbojevic took the League by storm in 2018 and hopes to reach the top of his positional group in 2019. (Source: NRL)

Since 1995, Manly have been in a Dally M fullback drought, as Matty Ridge won the honour.

‘The Prince of Brookvale’ Brett Stewart, was stuck behind Anthony Minichello, Jarryd Hayne and Billy Slater throughout his eminent career and never quite got his hands on the Dally M fullback statuette despite 163 tries in 233 games for Manly.

Stewart was also limited to six origin appearances due to Minichello, Hayne and Kurt Gidley.

It was during the 2018 Holden State of Origin series that Tom Trbojevic stepped up to his origin calling and put on almost the perfect performance on the wing as Tedesco had the No.1 jersey.

Despite Trbojevic having equal tries with Tedesco for the NRL Premiership season (nine) and more line breaks (19 to 15), the Manly fullback had more try assists, tackle breaks and line breaks than Tuivasa-Sheck who claimed the positional and overall player of the year awards.

“Look you don’t play the game for individual accolades but obviously when you are rewarded with them it’s very special,” Trbojevic said on the possibility of claiming the fullback of the year.

“But it all comes back to playing good footy at Manly, And your team has got to play good footy.

“That’s our team focus. We want to win more games here at Lottoland because it’s heart and soul Manly territory,”

As for the stellar incumbent NSW No.1 James Tedesco, Trbojevic says he is thrilled that he gets to represent the Blues at all.

“I’m happy to play anywhere for Manly or NSW. I do enjoy playing fullback but the Blues have already got a great player there at fullback in Teddy,” he said.

“I was given the opportunity by Freddy [coach Brad Fittler] to play on the wing and I’m perfectly fine with that.

“I just enjoy playing footy and it is incredible to play at that level.”