Hopoate's apprenticeship continues as Trbojevic returns

Manly youngster Lehi Hopoate is happy to continue his Tom Trbojevic apprenticeship on the wing as the superstar fullback prepares to return from injury this weekend. 

Hopoate wore the No.1 jumper for the past three weeks while Trbojevic was out with a knee injury and is being moulded into the Sea Eagles long-term fullback. 

Trbojevic is being positioned to shift to five-eighth potentially as soon as next year in a move that could allow the superstar to replicate the feats of Broncos legend Darren Lockyer in the final years of his career.

For now, however, Hopoate is determined to learn as much as he can from his senior teammate and he's happy to line up on the wing in a situation that resembles Warriors fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's formative years alongside Anthony Minichiello at the Roosters.

"I looked up to Roger growing up, he's a quality player," Hopoate said. "I'm not trying to rush into fullback anytime soon. It's just my second year [in the NRL] and I'm just grateful to be in the 17 and to play some consistent footy. 

"Having a quality fullback like Turbo helps my game and improves my performance. It gives me a sense of comfort to go out there and play my game. 

"He's so resilient so I look up to him and I'm inspired to be like Turbo one day."

Manly may have lost three in a row but there's been an upbeat feeling at Sea Eagles training this week and the stats indicate they have every reason to be feeling positive. 

According to data compiled by rugby league historian David Middleton, the side's winning record skyrockets with Trbojevic on the field.

Manly have won just 18 from 48 without their star fullback in the past five seasons for a winning rate of 38%. They lost all three matches he sat out with his latest injury. 

The winning rate soars to 60% with Trbojevic in the team, an impressive 36 from 60 matches. 

The Sea Eagles hope to improve that strike rate in Saturday's clash with Penrith and experienced forward Siua Taukeiaho said the fullback will make an instant impact in his return to the field. 

"He's been around the game for the long time and he brings his speed and his presence to the side with his talk at the back and the way he organises the [defensive] line," Taukeiaho said. 

"I've played alongside multiple good fullbacks and Turbo's one of them."

Trbojevic's return is one of multiple subplots to an intriguing clash at CommBank Stadium.