It has been a big 24 hours for Manly’s incredible Trbojevic brothers.
The day started with Jake and his younger brother, Tom, named in the NSW Blues squad for Origin III as development players.
The pair flew to Coffs Harbour today where they will gain valuable experience training with the NSW team ahead of next Wednesday’s Origin match in Sydney.
Later that night, the brothers were dominant in Manly’s 36-6 win over St George-Illawarra Dragons at Brookvale Oval. Jake was named man-of-the-match by Fox Sports while Tom was again electric at full-back.
Following the match the brothers then got the chance to see and hold the new ‘Trbojevic Cup’, named after the proud Mona Raiders juniors.
Manly Sea Eagles and the Canberra Raiders will contest the inaugural ‘Trbojevic Cup’ at an U14 level in Gouburn on July 13. The U13s will play for the Jarrod Croker Cup as part of a plan to support the development of rugby league in both regions.
“This is so cool. To have a trophy named after Tom and I is amazing,’’ Jake said.
“It is a great honour for us and our family. We are proud to be Manly juniors and we thank the Sea Eagles for this great trophy.
“Let’s hope Manly can win and keep this trophy many times. I certainly want to watch the games when I can.”
As for their week ahead with the Blues, Jake said it was about learning as much as possible from some of the game’s best and the NSW coaching staff.
“Growing up all I wanted to do was play NRL for Manly, and now to get this opportunity for both of us, is pretty cool. To do it with Tom is even more special,’’ Jake said.
“It is a credit to Tom. He is only 19. To get to do this is very special for him and our family. We are very proud of him.”
Tom said he was just as happy to share the occasion with his older brother.
“We are both happy for each other. I’m looking forward to seeing how the senior players hold themselves in Origin camp. We are going to be like a sponge and soak everything up,” he said.
Following the camp with the Blues, the Trbojevic brothers will return to training to prepare for Manly's vital home match against the NZ Warriors at nib Stadium, Perth, on Saturday, July 16.
Learn more about the Junior Sea Eagles Academy here.
Tickets for Manly v Warriors in Perth: http://bit.ly/1Q6IIOV
