Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Could Trbojevic be medically retired by Manly?
SEN • August 19th, 2025 5:50 pm
Manly should consider medically retiring Jake Trbojevic given his repeated concussions and the back-ended deal he is set to cost the club in 2026, according to Jimmy Smith.
The 31-year-old has more than likely played his last game for the club this season after being knocked out in Manly's round 23 game against Canberra.
He missed last week's Tigers defeat under the mandatory concussion protocols for the third time this season.
According to reports, the club's preference is that he sit out the remainder of the year and undergo "precautionary neurological testing" before he is given the green light to return.
But, having done some digging, Smith has discovered that when Jake and brother Tom's Manly deals were drawn up in 2018, both were heavily backended for 2026.
"He is unlikely to play again and it’s his third concussion this year," Smith said on SEN 1170.
"They’re talking about three or four months, an extended rest and precautionary neurological testing before they think about a return.
"The current deals total more than $12m when they both signed in 2018. Both were back-ended most heavily in 2026.
"I thought it was $2m next year $1.1 (million) for Tom and $900k for Jake.
"It says $2.4m for the back-ended deals.
"Who put together those deals? Ah Des Hasler.
"Here's the thing that hasn’t been discussed. At the end of 2026 or even before, is medically retired an option?
"Jake will rail against that I am sure but, that’s how quickly its changed. At the start of this year he was the State of Origin winning skipper of NSW and now we’re at that this stage."
Manly has endured a rough season with veteran captain Daly Cherry Evans set to depart, a torrid run of form and an attempt to oust coach Anthon Seibold.
They currently sit 10th on the ladder, four points adrift of the right with three games to play.
