Tom Trbojevic is set to provide a massive boost to the injury-plagued Manly side when he returns to the fold for the Sea Eagles.
Trbojevic has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in Round 10, when he pulled up lame against the Dolphins after attempting to make a try-saving tackle in the corner.
The 27-year-old’s torrid run with injuries has caused Anthony Seibold to make a tough decisionwhen his star returns in Round 18.
The Sea Eagles will head to Townsville to take on North Queensland after their bye, but Trbojevic will lace up the boots in an unfamiliar position for the club.
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Where will Tom Trbojevic play for Manly?
When Trbojevic trundled off during his side’s 30-24 defeat to the Dolphins, it was the fifth time he had been hobbled by a hamstring injury in five years.
His issues began in 2019 when he was ruled out for two months with a hamstring tear, before he was sidelined for three months the following season with the same problem.
It appeared in recent seasons that he had managed to overcome hamstring complaints after making the venture to America to work with renowned specialist Bill Knowles.
However, other injury issues have seen him restricted to just 64 appearances across the past six years.
MORE: Tom Trbojevic's injury history - A look at Manly star's torrid run
Trbojevic’s continued absences have forced Seibold to find different solutions at fullback.
Reuben Garrick was previously the main back-up, before he was replaced in the pecking order by Tolutau Koula.
Although in recent weeks, Lehi Hopoate has jumped ahead of the duo and has been impressive in the No.1 jersey.
The teenager made his NRL debut in Round 12 against Melbourne and has since had a big hand in the club's wins.
"We've had a number of conversations about position," Seibold told 9News ahead of Trbojevic’s impending return.
"Rather than just think about the change of position subjectively, we've had a really good objective look at the GPS data. What we've wanted to see is, what are the demands of a fullback and what are the demands of a centre?
"To be frank, from a data point of view, there's not a whole heap of difference.
"There's a little bit more change of pace as a fullback, but there's a lot more contact when you're playing centre. There's a number of things we need to consider."
The Sea Eagles have since confirmed Trbojevic will make the switch in the backline when he returns.
"He has completed his reconditioning work from a hamstring injury," the club noted in late June.
"Coach Anthony Seibold will name Trbojevic at centre on Tuesday."
Tom Trbojevic injury updates: Anthony Seibold discusses possible positional switch ahead of Turbo's return
Trbojevic has experience playing in the centres for New South Wales - notably starring there in the 2021 series victory. Although he has made the No.1 jersey his own at the Sea Eagles since debuting almost a decade ago.
Seibold admitted the positional switch was only being viewed as a temporary solution for now as he sought to ease his talisman back into action after another injury setback.
"We've been collaborating and communicating the whole time, but I want to do what's best for Turbo," Seibold said.
"If it's best to put him in the centres, that's what we will do. But I still think his best position is fullback."
The Sea Eagles are enjoying a bye after suffering a 14-0 loss to South Sydney without their Origin contingent.
