With NSW on the losing end of Origin I and, arguably last series’ best player, Tom Trbojevic making his long-awaited return for Manly, it was inevitable that the Sea Eagles flyer would be thrown up as a possible saviour for Brad Fittler’s men.
While the 22-year-old gun got through his NRL return against North Queensland unscathed, his stats line of 82 metres, one tackle break, two try assists and four errors was good without being great.
A mixed bag, as Fittler put it.
“It was very mixed, Fittler said on Channel’s 9’s Sunday Footy Show. “He looks pretty light. He did some really good things with the ball. One was at first receiver, then he set up a try later for Taufua when he went to the line and hit his winger with a pass, which is something he does quite often.
“There was a lot of errors in among that, a couple of cold drops, which shows he’s hesitant coming towards the ball.
“A very mixed game for him.”
Blues advisor Greg Alexander was more positive on Tom Turbo's chances, telling The Saturday Telegraph: “If Tom gets through the next couple of weeks, my bet is that he’ll be in the side somewhere."
“He’ll be in the 17.
“He was that good last year."
Trbojevic will have another chance to impress before the June 23 blockbuster, though. Manly will play the Dragons at Lottoland next Sunday, with the squad to be named immediately after the game.
“He’s got another week,” Fittler said. “He looked hesitant and he’s come back now from his second hamstring injury and it’s one of those injuries that’s very mental. He’s got another week.”
Meanwhile, brother Jake back up from Origin with 166 metres and 52 tackles in a 80-minute workman-like performance.
