Tom Trbojevic has hit form at the right time, with the Manly fullback scoring three tries in his side's crucial 42-14 win over the Raiders on Sunday afternoon.
After a tough stretch due to injury and question marks over his spot in the NSW Blues lineup for the State of Origin opener, the 26-year-old blew Canberra off the park at GIO Stadium.
Returning playmaker Josh Schuster was also in the thick of things, producing three try assists and crossing for a four-pointer of his own, silencing the critics over his long-term spot in the Sea Eagles side.
Speaking to the media after the game, Manly coach Anthony Seibold said it was nice to see the likes of Schuster and both Trbojevic brothers performing and helping the club gain a much-needed two points.
MORE: State of Origin Game 1 predicted teams | NRL Round 12 likes and dislikes
“I’m pleased for guys like Tom, Jake and Josh Schuster to play well today – those three guys were influential," he said.
“We know he is a talented player [Schuster], but he’s worked really hard since the Wests Tigers game where he probably got a bit of a lesson in regards to preparation.
"He really worked hard on reconditioning himself and his injury… the next challenge for him is to be consistent. I was really pleased – it’s a good little lesson that hard work pays off.
“Jake was really good, he gives us a lot of leadership in that middle-third of the field. We missed that over the last couple of games – I thought on both sides of the footy, he organises us really effectively and efficiently.
"I think it freed up Josh and Tom in particular, but just defensively… the turning point in the game was Jake and Tom coming up with a try-saving tackle on Elliott Whitehead. Off the back of that, we scored a couple of tries and went on with the game.
"He brings an attitude and application like few players in the comp."
Tom Trbojevic locks in State of Origin spot
With the likes of Campbell Graham closing in on a sky blue jumper, Trbojevic was able to send a timely reminder to Brad Fittler and his selectors ahead of the team announcement on Monday.
Groin and hamstring issues have seemingly limited the Manly superstar this season, but he returned to his damaging best against an extremely disappointing Raiders side and made sure to lock in his NSW spot in the process.
Trbojevic finished with a game-high 239 run metres, three tries, two linebreaks and one try assist in his best individual display since his Dally M Medal campaign in 2021.
“It’s obviously nice to put in a performance like that," he said.
"I love playing footy and I love playing well, so it was good. I’ve been feeling really well physically all year.
"I missed a game with a slight groin injury, but once I’ve come back, I have felt really good. It was great to go out there and show that.
“To be honest, it wasn’t [thinking about Origin]. I’m just really focused on doing my job here for the team and putting in a good performance. Those selections come off the back of that, so that’s all I was really focused on.
“It’s always a confidence boost playing like that. It’s been a tough few weeks for us as a club, we haven’t been putting the performance in… it was nice."
