Loyalty the buzz word as Manly opens Trbojevic talks

Manly is exploring options around extending star brothers Jake and Tom Trbojevic, with both about to hit NRL free agency from November 1 — which means they’ll be fair play for every other team for 2027 onward.

The Sea Eagles’ re-signing campaign opened this week with a personal visit from chief executive Tony Mestrov, with sentiments around the Northern Beaches club being they want to keep both.

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While both Sea Eagles stars are still signed for another 18 months, Manly wants to lock them down before anyone else can speak to them on November 1. While Tom has struggled with injuries over his career — and particularly through 2025 so far — The Sporting Base understands several Sydney clubs would still be very eager to grab him on cheaper coin.

There’s no deal on the table yet, but Manly bosses hope to get formal negotiations started quite soon.

Once ink hits paper, it’s likely any new contract for Tom would include performance and play-time clauses to reflect the fact he’s been regularly sidelined through his eleven-year relationship with Manly.

While Jake wouldn’t be under any similar stipulations, especially considering how available he usually is, his age will play a major factor. The older Trbojevic will be 33 by the time the 2027 season begins; his next tabled deal may only cover that 2027 campaign.

There is every chance both Tom and Jake will accept whatever deal the Sea Eagles offer them — their main aim in impending negotiations will be to stay one-club players, which aligns perfectly with Manly’s hopes. Tom is so invested in the football outfit on the Northern Beaches that he even tried to give some of his contract pay back to the club last time he was injured.

To today, The Sporting Base understands neither brother has informally spoken to any club.