Canterbury’s season came to an end in brutal fashion with Manly completing a late comeback victory to knock the Dogs out of the finals at the first hurdle.
The elimination final marked the first time the club had featured in the finals in eight years and marked a major sign of improvement under Cameron Ciraldo.
Dogs legend James Graham was on hand to watch the game unfold from inside the commentary booth and was left "emotional" following the defeat.
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Bulldogs legend calls for major Tom Trbojevic positional change
Tom Trbojevic returned from injury and had a major hand in what turned out to be the game-winning play for Tolu Koula.
However, the fullback visibly struggled throughout much of the contest as he was hampered by a shoulder injury, which caused him to miss his side’s last round of the regular season against Cronulla.
"On the Tom Trbojevic situation, I don’t think it’s his shoulder," Graham said on The Bye Round Podcast.
"I think it's his knee. All the focus was on his shoulder - with an AC joint, it’s almost like it’s not there when you get the jab.
"So, for me, when he was lacking that punch - I just thought it must be his knee. You don’t hold back with the AC injury on your shoulder, especially when it’s been injected."
Trbojevic was reportedly injected before kick-off and then again at half time to help combat the issue, with an improved showing in the second stanza helping the Sea Eagles to get home in a thriller.
However, ahead of their semi-final against the Sydney Roosters, Graham called for the club to make a difficult decision with their No.1.
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"I know Manly are saying he’s going to be alright but there were times in the game where he was not helping the attack," Graham said.
"There were a couple of times where I thought he was going to gun it. A fully fit Tommy would hit the accelerator and take them on, and he didn’t.
"I just wonder whether or not Anthony Seibold will look to put him in the centres this week.
"His presence is everything. [Lehi] Hopoate goes to fullback and then they’ve got that speed out the back.
"It’s a dilemma for Seibold. Everyone says, 'No Tommy, no title'. But do you go, 'Look, he’s not fit'.
"He’s as tough as they come, according to a few people at Manly. They say this guy is made of strong stuff. But if your knee’s gone, your knee’s gone."
The Sea Eagles named Trbojevic in the No.1 jersey on Tuesday ahead of their do-or-die clash against the Roosters.
