Why Tom Trbojevic made a $400k sacrifice to remain at Manly

Tom Trbojevic says he couldn’t see himself playing anywhere other than Manly – and has taken a $400,000 pay cut to ensure he doesn’t have to.

After months of at times strained negotiations, Trbojevic and the Sea Eagles have agreed to a one-year contract extension that keeps him on the Northern Beaches until the end of 2027.

The deal is effectively a chance for both parties to get a better understanding of the star fullback’s true market worth after an injury-plagued run. Trbojevic will be paid $1.3 million next year, but agreed to an extension worth just $900,000 after playing just 54 games since his breakout Dally M season in 2021.

It’s a short-term solution that the parties feel reflects Trbojevic’s high standing in the game, the amount of football that he has missed and what he can potentially produce if he regains form and fitness.

“We both just thought it was the best idea,” Trbojevic said on Tuesday. “Obviously I’ve been on a long contract and it came down to the idea of just playing good footy and earning everything. I’m not looking too far ahead, I’m just focusing on the now. My footy will do the talking, essentially, and that’s what I hope it will do … I just want to back myself.”

The deal means that Trbojevic and Manly will again be at the negotiating table in just 12 months’ time.

“I didn’t really think about it like that, but I’m happy to,” he said. “I’m very happy, super excited to be here for another year. It’s a special club to me, I couldn’t be happier.”

At one point during negotiations, amid reports that Manly had moved the goalposts on their initial longer-term offer, Trbojevic explored potential options in England. Asked how close he came to joining the Super League, the 29-year-old said: “I got my manager to look at different options, but when it came down to making the decision I love this club. We got something on the table, came to an agreement. I wasn’t too close [to leaving] … And I have brothers there as well, so it would have been very hard. I couldn’t see myself doing it.”

Trbojevic had previously volunteered to take a pay cut of up to $750,000 to assuage his guilt over the amount of football he has missed. The salary cap auditor ultimately knocked back his request, but the new deal was a chance for him to make a financial sacrifice.

“That’s the idea, definitely,” he said.

During the course of last season, in a bid to work his way back from injury and to give Lehi Hopoate a crack at the No.1 jersey, Trbojevic made five appearances in the centres. There was even talk of shifting him into the halves to replace Daly Cherry-Evans, although that won’t now be necessary after the club signed Canberra No.7 Jamal Fogarty. However, it’s expected that coach Anthony Seibold will select Trbojevic at fullback to begin the 2026 campaign.

“As far as I’m concerned, yes, but I’m happy to do whatever is best for the club,” Trbojevic said. “Whatever Seibs and the team want me to do, I’m happy to do.”

Some have likened Trbojevic’s situation to that of James Tedesco. The Roosters custodian, after playing below some people’s expectations a couple of years ago, has produced some of his best football after accepting a series of one-year deals.

Asked if he saw a parallel, Trbojevic said: “I don’t like to compare with anyone, let alone Teddy, one of the best to ever do it.

“It’s not about drawing comparisons, it’s about doing the best for me. It’s awesome for me to be going out there, trying to play my best footy and just focusing on that, not worry about anything else.

“If I play good footy, we can work it out again next year, hopefully.”

Trbojevic’s new deal comes at a time of change for the Sea Eagles. They have appointed Kieran Foran and Brett Kimmorley to their coaching staff and are attempting to free up the salary cap space required to accommodate South Sydney prop Davvy Moale – who has signed a three-year contract from 2027 – next season.

A proposed player swap between Nathan Brown and Tigers utility Jack Bird has fallen over, and even with the departure of Cherry-Evans and the medical retirement of Josh Aloiai, the club has no wriggle room in their salary cap.

After fading out of finals contention late last season, Trbojevic is optimistic the Sea Eagles can contend next year.

“We just have to be more consistent,” he said. “Our best footy is very good, but another year together and the playing group gets better and more experienced.

“We have the potential to be a good footy side, but it’s about doing that … You play to win a comp, that’s why you play. I want to be my best self, play some good consistent footy.”

The Sea Eagles have put contract negotiations with Jake Trbojevic, who suffered three concussions in short succession and is off contract next year, on hold.

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