Tom Trbojevic doesn’t buy positional switch chat, looks forward to working with new Blues coach

Manly superstar Tom Trbojevic has heard all the outside noise from experts calling for him to move from fullback to the centres to limit the risk of injury and the incredible toll he puts on his body.

But the most important player at the Sea Eagles isn’t going anywhere pointing to the fact his last injury came playing in the centres for NSW, evidence his issues are not defined by his playing position.

The 2021 Dally M Medal winner has played just 55 games across the past five seasons due to injuries, with a torn pec in game two of this year’s State of Origin series ending his NRL campaign prematurely.

The soft tissue injuries have led some in the game to suggest he should move to centre to reduce his workload, but a bulked up Trbojevic isn’t buying that.

“It’s interesting because I think I hurt myself in the centres so I don’t know about that one,” he said, having torn his pec while defending at right centre against the Maroons.

“Other people are entitled to their opinions and they can say what they want so I don’t have to comment on them.”

The 27-year-old walked into his media conference on Friday afternoon looking noticeably bigger than he’s been in the past, declaring he’s fully fit and has taken part in every training drill as he and his teammates prepare for a trip to Las Vegas in round one.

Trbojevic has spoken to renowned conditioning specialist Bill Knowles a few times during his recovery, but given the nature of the latest injury, he hasn’t had to rely too much on the man who helped him overcome all of his hamstring setbacks.

“Coming into pre-season I was basically ready to go,” he said.

“We’ve had a really good five or six weeks.

“We’ve got a new head of performance in Jon Clarke who has been awesome to work with. A lot of the work he’s done with me I’ve really enjoyed, and he’s brought a couple of new ideas which have been great.”

A fully fit Trbojevic will not only catapult the Sea Eagles up the ladder, but it will help the Blues enormously as they look to end Queensland’s winning streak.

It’ll be a new era for New South Wales with long-time coach Brad Fittler replaced by Michael Maguire who won’t have to stress as much if ‘Turbo’ is available.

Trbojevic has indicated he wants to play and has no mental demons from the injury he suffered last year, although he says it’s sad that Fittler isn’t there anymore given the pair had formed a tight bond over the years.

“I’ve spoken to him briefly,” he said.

“Obviously I’m really disappointed for him because I really enjoyed playing for NSW under him.

“Unfortunately I won’t be able to do that anymore, but Madge is an awesome coach and has done some really good things at club land and for New Zealand as well. I’m sure he’ll do a really good job (for the Blues).

“I haven’t had much to do with him, but I’m looking forward to hopefully getting to know him more. It’s still a little while away.”