Ben Trbojevic knows it's going to be a ‘pretty cool’ feeling to play with his older brothers for the first time in an NRL premiership match at 4 Pines Park this Saturday.
“If that opportunity presents itself, it is obviously a special moment for me and my family,’’ Ben said today, prior to the team being announced for the May 7 showdown with the Wests Tigers.
Ever since a humble Ben burst onto the scenes through the successful Sea Eagles Pathways Academy, Manly supporters and the rugby league public have been captivated by the prospect of all three Trbojevic brothers playing together on the Sea Eagles’ spiritual home ground at Brookvale.
Player Media: Ben Trbojevic
It has been a dream shared for a long time too with brother, Luke, and proud parents John and Melissa, ever since this league loving family first sat on the famous Brookie hill to watch their local Manly team play.
Along the way, there has been the odd junior rugby league grand final or two for their beloved Mona Vale Raiders, as well as the years of toiling away in the Manly junior representative system.
So, now, the dream is about to become a reality after Jake (28), Tom (25), and Ben (20) were named in the Sea Eagles squad for the round nine premiership match against the Tigers.
Tom has been named at full-back to make his return from a knee injury with vice-captain Jake taking up his secured lock position.
A knee injury to experienced campaigner Brad Parker has seen Ben named in the centres.
The Tigers clash is not the first NRL game the three brothers have played together in after Ben made his first grade debut alongside Tom and Jake against Newcastle last year.
However, it will just be their second NRL game together. It will also be Ben’s first match as a starting centre after impressing Coach Des Hasler against Souths last week when replacing the injured Parker.
“It was good to play my first NRL game for the year (last week), so that was pretty cool. It was my first NRL game at centre, so it’s good to get a bit of time there.
“I’ve just got to keep trying to build on that.”