Manly Warringah Sea Eagles forward Jake Trbojevic has been called into the Australian team for the Four Nations tournament.
The proud Mona Vale Raiders junior will replace the injured Josh Papalii for the tournament in the UK against England, New Zealand and Scotland.
His call up into the Kangaroos squad caps off another fine season for the popular Trbojevic, who has been the standout forward for the Sea Eagles over the past two years.
Trbojevic was named the Club’s Best and Fairest Player in 2015 and took home the NRL Players’ Player award for his outstanding form shown in his 23 matches this year. He also captained the Sea Eagles this season.
The 22-year-old was also called into the NSW Blues squad for Game III this year as a development player, as was his brother Tom. Both are touted as long term Origin players.
Jake has already represented the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII team twice against Papua New Guinea.
The Trbojevic brothers last week re-signed with the Sea Eagles until the end of the 2020 season as the club looks to build another era of success around them.
Should Jake pull on the Kangaroos jersey, he will become the 70th Manly player to represent Australia, ironically in the Sea Eagles’ 70th Year Anniversary.
"Jake will give us size and intimidation," Kangaroos Coach Mal Meninga said.
"It is always disappointing to lose a player of Josh's calibre but this will be a wonderful opportunity for Jake and I'm excited to see what he can do in the green and gold jersey."
Manly are also represented in the Four Nations by New Zealand Test players Lewis Brown and Martin Taupau.
Jake Trbojevic Profile
Born: February 18, 1994, Mona Vale, NSW
Position: Prop/lock
Height: 185cm.
Weight: 107kg
Rep Honours: PM’s XIII (2015, 2016), Junior Kangaroos (2013), Australian Schoolboys (2011), NSW U20s (2014), NSW U18s (2011-12).
Club and NRL Debut: v Penrith, Brookvale Oval, 8/9/2013 (Rd 26).
2016 Season: 23 games, 1608 minutes, 316 runs, 2684 run metres, 7 line breaks, 3 try assists, 18 offloads, 858 tackles, 20 tackle breaks, 4 tries.
Career: 47 games, 7 tries, 28 points.
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
