Manly unveil their new captain … in the car park at Narrabeen

Tom Trbojevic has never been one for fanfare, so it was fitting he was announced as the new Manly captain in the humble surroundings of the car park of the training complex at Narrabeen.

In scenes that made a mockery of the club’s “Silvertails” reputation, coach Anthony Seibold sipped on a takeaway coffee early on Monday before informing the playing group Trbojevic would be their new leader.

Trbojevic only inked a one-year extension a couple of weeks ago. Now he is the man who will take charge of the team in the post-Daly Cherry-Evans era.

The 29-year-old fullback dressed down for the occasion in a $30 pair of sandals and socks.

Brother Jake Trbojevic led NSW to an Origin series win in 2024, and would have been most pundits’ pick as the player most likely to succeed Cherry-Evans.

But with uncertainty surrounding whether the lock will even play on beyond next year, the smart option was to anoint his younger sibling. Tom was due back at training on Monday, along with recruit Jamal Fogarty.

Seibold said the playing group gathered for “coffee club” every Monday morning, and it was a nice way to break the captaincy news.

“All the players and staff have a coffee to start the week, we’ll talk about any messages for the week, and rather than take it into any meeting room, we do it all out there,” Seibold said.

“I feel like at this stage of his career, ‘Turbo’ is ready to lead the club. He’s very influential on the field, and also off the field, the way he prepares each week, he’s a great role model from that sense.

“We’ve also got good leaders to support him with Jake, Haumole [Olakau’atu], Jamal Fogarty, and Siua [Taukeiaho].”

Mona Vale junior Trbojevic said of the new role: “This means a lot to me, and I’m thrilled to take on the captaincy. It’s a privilege and I feel very honoured to take on the role. It’s a proud moment.

“The next few months of pre-season will be tough, but it’s an exciting time for all of us as we prepare for the new season.”

Tom, Jake and Olakau’atu were all part of the leadership group last year, with the latter hopeful of one day taking on the captaincy himself when the time is right.

In other news, Jye Gray, a one-time R360 target, has inked a three-year extension with South Sydney, which will keep him at the club until the end of 2029.

The immediate debate among Souths fans will be whether Gray starts at fullback ahead of centre option Latrell Mitchell, or reverts to being a strike player off the bench.

Recruitment boss Mark Ellison said of Gray: “He is safe under the high ball, he returns the ball with great speed, his footwork is mesmerising, and his defence is inspiring.”