Manly Warringah Sea Eagles lock Jake Trbojevic has tonight cemented his status as a long term Australian Kangaroos Test player.
In just his second Test match in the green and gold, and his first on Australian soil, Trbojevic was outstanding for the Kangaroos in the 30-12 win over the New Zealand Kiwis in the ANZAC Test.
Starting off the interchange bench, 23-year-old Trbojevic was heavily involved from the moment he came on to the field at GIO Stadium, producing his high work rate in attack and defence.
The Manly junior was rewarded early in the second half when he crossed for a try – his second for Australia after scoring in his Test debut against Scotland in Hull in the Four Nations tournament last October.
It would have been a proud moment for the Trbojevic family with parents Melissa and John, as well as brothers, Luke, and Manly full-back, Tom, in the crowd watching on.
Trbojevic was originally named 18th man for the Kangaroos squad but was promoted following to the interchange bench the withdrawal of prop Shannon Boyd.
Manly team-mate Martin Taupau also came off the bench for the Kiwis late in the first half and turned in his usual strong running game.
Both players got through the match injury free.
Jake Trbojevic Game Stats
Minutes played: 33, 11 Runs, 98 metres, 16 tackles, 2 missed tackles, 1 line break, 1 try.
Martin Taupau Game Stats
Minutes played: 31, 8 Runs, 88 metres, 20 tackles, 3 missed tackles, 0 line break.