By Dan Walsh
Manly’s past, present and future collided and poleaxed Newcastle in the process as Tom Trbojevic made a formidable return to the No.1 jumper and future fullback Lehi Hopoate produced one of the try-assists of the season.
The Sea Eagles’ annual Old Boys’ Day drew more than 90 past players and a sold-out Brookvale crowd who were treated to a 44-6 demolition job on a hapless Knights outfit.
After 80 middling minutes at centre last week in his return from a hamstring injury, Trbojevic was back in the No.1 and right at home too, finishing with two try-assists to go with a four-pointer from a flying effort right over the top of Newcastle’s Fletcher Sharpe.
“I’ve always been a fullback, so of course it felt natural being back there. It’s hard to see myself playing elsewhere but I’m open to doing what’s best for the team. I’m happy to do whatever,” Trbojevic said.
His presence, particularly in picking apart makeshift Knights centre Thomas Cant on the left edge, made Manly an infinitely more dangerous attacking side, even against a disappointing opposition.
Reuben Garrick was credited with four line-break assists by the NRL statisticians, but it was Trbojevic creating the space inside him.
Tom Trbojevic scores on his return to fullback for Manly.Credit: Getty Images
“He’s an elite player,” coach Anthony Seibold said.
“We felt as though we had an advantage out there with our speed so we wanted to make sure we used our weapons and obviously Turbo, some of his passes out the back were outstanding.”
Fullback remains the million-dollar man’s best position, and when he’s fully fit, it should always be Trbojevic’s position, for the next few years at least.
But Hopoate’s impressive rookie season – and potential long-term claims to the No.1 jumper – continued in fine fashion when he bagged a double after latching onto another Brooks cross-field kick leading into half-time.
Jamie Humphreys and Haumole Olakau’atu celebrate the former’s try on debut.Credit: Getty Images
Hopoate had dislocated his finger moments earlier. You wouldn’t have known as he took the ball on the fly and tossed a no-look pass right onto the chest of Tommy Talau for him to score untouched.
As Manly got another look at one of their brightest young prospects, South Sydney would have liked what they saw in rookie halfback Jamie Humphreys.
The son of ex-Sea Eagles CEO Stephen, Humphreys is off to the Rabbitohs next year on a two-year deal and started his debut with a dream fifth-minute try after the officials missed a blatant forward pass from Jason Saab.
A 20-0 half-time lead ensured the Sea Eagles were always cruising back into seventh on the NRL ladder. For the Knights, Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best and Dane Gagai’s Origin absence was telling, so too the need for them to back up on short turnarounds next Saturday against Brisbane.
Coach Adam O’Brien conceded his side “got what we deserved” and will have to sweat on their Origin stars returning for a must-win clash with the Broncos.
Second-half tries to Garrick, Hopoate and Olakau’atu simply added to Manly’s day out ahead of next Sunday’s showdown with ex-coach Des Hasler and the Titans.
Past, present and future collide again.
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