3 minute read

The determination to make up for lost time and the chance to focus on his passing game has made Tom Trbojevic a better NRL player after his injury woes.

Tom Trbojevic's kryptonite has somehow made him even more dangerous, returning from a year of hamstring and other injury horrors an even better NRL player.

The Manly superstar is just four games back, after missing the start of the season recovering from a fourth hamstring strain, but is already fifth in the Dally M race.

Already one of the NRL's most influential players before he missed 32 games during the past three seasons, the 24-year-old is now undoubtedly more valuable to Manly than any other player for their club.

The Sea Eagles have gone from their worst ever opening month to the cusp of the top eight, with every player improving since Trbojevic's return at fullback.

It's the reason why Manly remain more than 15 points per game better off when he's played in the past three years.

While Sunday's performance against the Warriors was hailed as one of the best of any player in memory, it's Trbojevic's consistency this season that stands out.

He has scored a try in each of his four games, is setting up tries and breaking through the line at double the rate at any point in his career.

Trbojevic is the first to admit his long stints out only made him more determined to succeed as part of a bid to make up for lost time.

"You obviously watch a bit of footy (while you're out)," he said.

"It's hard missing games. It makes you work harder.

"I haven't played much footy over the past few years and you know the effect it has on the team.

"It motivates you to come in every day and want to be better. You have to be better."

Trbojevic's gains haven't been through more time spent in the gym, despite seemingly being stronger with ball in hand this year.

Instead, it's his match awareness and ball-playing ability where the biggest differences have been.

The No.1 relies on spotting quick play-the-balls, with his first try against the Warriors on Sunday showing his ability to spot a gap is evolving.

His passing has also improved, after he was once ridiculed publicly by NSW coach Brad Fittler for his tendency to bomb tries with forward passes.

Trbojevic has already set up as many tries as star Penrth halfback Nathan Cleary this year, with his nine in four games the equal-best of any fullback and sixth most overall.

"We didn't really play much footy over the past year, so I have had a lot of time to practice (the passing)," Trbojevic said.

"It's something a fullback wants to develop in their game and some come off.

"Having a stable spine helps.

"Foz (Kieran Foran) and Chez (Daly Cherry-Evans) are very experienced and (Lachlan) Croker is coming into his own at No.9.

"It gives you opportunities."