Welcome to the first chapter of ‘Jake’s Kangaroos diary’.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles prop Jake Trbojevic is writing a diary about his first Australian Kangaroos trip.
Here, Jake talks about the excitement of being called into the Kangaroos squad for the Four Nations tournament in the UK against England, New Zealand, and Scotland.
‘Jake’s Kangaroos diary’, Chapter 1
Awesome. That’s the only way to describe what has been a big, crazy past week for me.
To be called into the Australian Kangaroos squad for the Four Nations was unbelievable. I do feel for Josh Papalii because he is a great player but to get the chance to come in to replace him has been an amazing feeling.
After getting the call on the Wednesday night, Thursday morning was spent packing the bags and a quick trip to the airport with my brother Tom driving me. It was good to be able to have Tom with me to share the special moment.
Upon arriving at the team hotel in Perth, I met the players and coaching staff and was made to feel very welcomed from the beginning. It is pretty cool to be spending time with the game’s best players. One of the perks too is that unlike at club level, I got my own room! But I do miss my old Manly room-mate and golf partner, Jamie Lyon, though.
Friday was the Captain’s Run prior to the Test match against New Zealand at nib Stadium. It was great to return to a ground where Manly beat the Warriors in golden point this season.
Just warming up and taking part in the drills alongside the likes of Cameron Smith, Jonathan Thurston, Greg Inglis and co was incredible. I couldn’t stop smiling.
The Test match on the Saturday was a great game and it was good to see Australia do so well in our final hit out before the Four Nations. The boys played strongly and we will only get better. It was an awesome experience warming up and being in the Australian dressing room after the win.
To help with my fitness levels as I haven’t played since early September, I did a training session on the field after the match. It was good to blow out some of the cobwebs whilst wearing the green and gold training gear.
I also enjoyed the chance to catch up with my Manly team-mates in NZ Test players Martin Taupau and Lewis Brown. I thought Marty was very impressive against the Kangaroos and he has continued on his good form from this season for the Sea Eagles. Lewis again showed his versatility value, sharing the hooking role with Isaac Luke.
The Kangaroos enjoyed a few days off and some of us went to Margaret River. What a beautiful place that is. Great food and coffee.
Today (Thursday), we fly to the UK. I’m really looking forward to getting there. I hear it is pretty cold.
To make my first trip to England is exciting. But to do it with the Kangaroos is something I could only dream of back in my junior days playing for my beloved Mona Vale Raiders.
This is what you dream of as a little kid playing junior footy. I can’t wait.
Remember become a 2017 Manly Member and I'll see you at 'Fortress Brookie'
Cheers, Jake
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Kangaroos Four Nations tournament
October 29 — Australia vs. Scotland, KC Lightstream Stadium (Hull), 7:00am AEDT
November 6 — New Zealand vs. Australia, Ricoh Arena (Coventry), 7:00am AEDT
November 14 — England vs. Australia, London Olympic Stadium (London), 1:00am AEDT
November 21 — Four Nations Final TBC, Anfield (Liverpool), 1:30am AEDT
