MANLY CRISIS: CAPTAIN TRBOJEVIC IN MAJOR DOUBT AS SEA EAGLES FACE LEADING WARRIORS IN AUCKLAND FINALE
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND — Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are facing a major late-season headache ahead of Saturday’s pivotal regular-season finale against competition leaders the Warriors, with coach Kieran Foran confirming captain and star fullback Tom Trbojevic is in a race against time to prove his match fitness. While finals football is no longer within reach for Manly, the fixture offers a chance to secure a third consecutive victory — but they may have to do it without their most influential player.
The match holds massive stakes for the host Warriors, who are chasing their first minor premiership in 24 years, along with the accompanying $200,000 prize. Still seeking a maiden NRL title after two grand final defeats in their 31-year history, they head into the clash on a five-match winning streak, having scored 40+ points in four of those outings — including last week’s 46–32 dismantling of Newcastle.
There are striking parallels to last year’s final round, when Manly traveled to Auckland on the exact same date (September 5) with an identical 11-win, 12-loss record. Historically, Manly boasts a strong record at Go Media Stadium, winning 11 of 18 contests there — though they haven’t beaten the Warriors on their home turf since 2017.
Manly’s form has surged recently, piling on 44 points in back-to-back wins over Newcastle and St George Illawarra, crossing for 19 tries across those two games. Reuben Garrick celebrates his 180th and final club game this weekend, standing on the cusp of becoming just the fifth Sea Eagle to reach 100 career tries. Foran has named an unchanged lineup from the Dragons thrashing — but faces anxiety over Trbojevic’s status.
The 2021 Dally M Medalist and three-time Roy Bull Best & Fairest winner has been a pillar of consistency. His explosive running, leadership, and experience would be sorely missed against a resurgent Warriors side welcoming back key talent: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad returns from suspension, while halves Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita are back from injury. Sam Healey and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava join the starting run-on team, with Manly-bound Kayliss Fatialofa poised for a debut off the bench.
With momentum building and history on their side in Auckland — if not recent results — Manly hopes their captain can overcome concerns in time. A fit, firing Trbojevic remains their greatest hope for ending the season on a high note.
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