Jake Trbojevic is unlikely to play again in 2025, with the Manly Sea Eagles suggesting the 31-year-old veteran sit out the remainder of the year – including the Ashes tour – to recover from his third concussion in close to as many months.
The Sea Eagles hooked Trbojevic just before halftime during the clash against the Raiders, following a heavy collision that saw “Jurbo” knocked out. He didn’t return and entered 11-day concussion protocols.
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While that safety process would then mean he’s available to be selected again on Tuesday, it’s more likely Trbojevic will be stood down for the rest of the regular season and beyond in a bid to help him recover. The Sporting Base understands Manly suggested this to the 31-year-old this week, and he’s now mulling over the call and will come back with an answer soon.
Either way, he won’t be selected tomorrow in the team to face the Dolphins, as a precaution.
“The only update that I know about Jake is that he won’t play next week,” Sea Eagles head coach Anthony Seibold told NRL reporters when asked about “Jurbo” after Manly lost to the Wests Tigers 26–12 on Sunday.
“We’ll get further medical advice, but we won’t be rushing Jake back,” he continued.
“He’s had three or four concussions over the last 12 months. His well-being comes before footy by a massive distance. I don’t want to talk for Jake or talk for the medical staff, but I know that he definitely won’t be playing next week.”
“We need to make sure that we then reassess and look at where he’s going.”
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Should Trbojevic agree to the safety stand down (and he should), he’d then be ruled out of contention to play for Australia in the upcoming Ashes tour. He was short odds to be included in the 22-man squad Kevin Walters will pick at season’s end, especially after Payne Haas just recently pledged for Samoa, and Tino Fa’asuamaleuai is expected to follow suit.
In clubland, it makes total sense and should almost be a decision taken out of Jurbo’s hands; the Sea Eagles look like they’ve missed finals entirely, especially considering how poor they were on Sunday, sending Trbojevic back out to potentially worsen his head injuries would nearly be malpractice.
This Base writer understands the club wants to to decide with the team veteran though, not force him.
There’s every likelihood he’ll agree, but for the time being he’s available to play in Round 26.
