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Trbojevic privileged to make another PM's XIII team

Jake Trbojevic is gearing up for a record fifth straight Prime Minister’s XIII clash but the thrill of making the team hasn’t worn off yet.

The Australia Kangaroo will also equal Aaron Woods and Robbie Farah's mark of five matches when he plays lock against Fiji in Suva on October 4.

A youthful side including 12 debutants, chosen by PM Scott Morrison and Australian coach Mal Meninga, will become the Australian PM’s XIII to played in Fiji, with the annual fixture usually hosted by Papua New Guinea.

"It's always exciting to get in those teams. I guess it's a good reward for a good season," Trbojevic told NRL.com at a sneak peek of NRL Fan Fest on Monday.

"Any team Mal picks is exciting, I get to play alongside some really good players and I'm really looking forward to it.

"The last four years I've played over in PNG and that's been great – obviously they're very passionate rugby league fans. But to mix it up and give Fiji a go, it's going to be really cool."

Trbojevic has an opportunity in the PM's match to convince Meninga to hand him a starting berth when Australia take on New Zealand in the Trans-Tasman Test later in October.

Inside the PM's XIII team meeting

Incumbent Aussie No.13 Josh McGuire won’t feature after accepting a one-match ban for tripping in North Queensland’s round 25 loss to Melbourne.

Rabbitohs gun Cameron Murray appears to be the other contender for the jumper but it would be a big call to toss the NSW Origin representative into the international cauldron from the kick-off.

However, Trbojevic isn't fazed by what number he wears and said his game doesn't change whether he's at lock, prop or coming from the bench.

"I'm really looking to enjoy it and hopefully I get in the Test side. If I get in, I'm happy to play wherever, it doesn't worry me," he said.

"I'm just happy to be in these teams. It's a privilege and it's such an honour to be in and really have a good time.

"In the modern game, props and locks are all just middle forwards. That's just the way it is."

The Manly workhorse was quick to talk up Murray, who he roomed with during NSW's successful State of Origin campaign earlier this season.

"He's a great player, he's had such a good year. He's only 21 so it's pretty special what he's been able to do," Trbojevic said.

"He's had such a big influence on South Sydney's season, he's one of their most consistent players every week.

"He's been really good, winning Origin series, he's been outstanding at such a young age. And he's a really good guy."

Jake Trbojevic lends a hand to set up the NRL Fan Fest site in Sydney.
Jake Trbojevic lends a hand to set up the NRL Fan Fest site in Sydney. ©Grant Trouville/NRL Photos

Alongside Trbojevic, Bulldogs and New Zealand back Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was on hand to have an early look at the NRL Fan Fest in Sydney's Martin Place.

Fan Fest will run from October 2-4, with plenty of activities to try and more than 100 NRL and NRLW players set to make appearances.

"It’s really cool, it's exciting. It's exciting for the fans and hopefully everyone can come out and celebrate a good season," Trbojevic said.

And the Sea Eagles junior already has his eye on one attraction – a zone where attendees can live out their footballing dreams by attempting spectacular put-downs like an athletic winger.

"I don't score too many tries so I might hop in there," Trbojevic laughed.

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Watene-Zelezniak said he would have been in heaven at Fan Fest as a footy-mad 12-year-old.

"I would have been here every single day trying to meet everyone and anyone who played NRL," Watene-Zelezniak said.

"It's an amazing thing the NRL are doing here and I think everyone should take advantage of it.

"Come meet us, come meet me – I'm a normal person, you can approach me to have a chat and have some fun."

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Manly Warringah Sea Eagles respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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