Manly Coach Trent Barrett says the decision to appoint Jake Trbojevic as co-captain for the Penrith match was more about the future leadership of the Sea Eagles.
With inspirational captain Jamie Lyon out for two weeks (hamstring) and retiring at the season’s end, Barrett named Trbjoevic and former Gold Coast Titans leader Nate Myles as co-captains for Sunday’s vital match at Brookvale Oval.
A proud Manly junior from the Mona Vale Raiders Club, Trbojevic won the Sea Eagles Best Player Award last year.
“When I told Jake, he was over the moon. He feels really privileged,’’ Barrett said.
“Jake is a future leader of the club and this is a really good opportunity for him to get a taste of it.
“I felt it was really important Manly had a local boy like Jake and he comes from a rugby league family.
“He is really respected amongst the players and the coaching staff.
“Nate will be able to guide him through some tough times and give him guidance on how to handle different situations. I expect them to go out there and do a really job.”
Here is what current Manly players and past greats had to say about Jake:
Jamie Lyon: “It is a great opportunity for Jake. He is a good young kid and thoroughly deserved. I am sure he will go a great job. He is going to be a leader of the team for many more years to come. His appointment is great for the local area as Jake was born and bred in Mona Vale. The Trbojevic name is very famous around the Northern Beaches and hopefully will be for years to come in the Manly colours.”
Lewis Brown: “Jake doesn’t whinge. He will get through his job and does everything 100 miles per hour. I’m pretty sure you will see him and his brother Tom in the Blues and Australian jumpers. They are very humble, respectful, and are a big part of our team.”
Josh Starling: “Jake puts his body on the line every week and always wants to play 80 minutes, whether he is busted or not. He deserves every accolade he gets.”
Steve Menzies: “I think it is amazing. It just shows the quality of the person that he is around training and off the field. For Trent to say you are co-captain, it takes a certain individual to lay that accolade on.”
Cliff Lyons: “It is totally awesome. With Jake being a local junior, it is a beautiful story. I can’t wait to see him captain the team with Nate on Sunday.”
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