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How to tune into Sport NationFamily affair: Turbo's first call after being named Manly captain
Sam Kosack • November 27th, 2025 3:30 pm
Tom Trbojevic has revealed who he first contacted after learning he had been made Sea Eagles captain, and insisted there is no strain between he and brother Jake after the club’s decision.
Trbojevic will captain Manly in 2026, making him the first full-time captain of the side since 2017.
Born and raised on the Northern Beaches, the 29-year-old is a favourite of the club’s fans, and his importance to the team’s on-field success has been well-emphasised throughout his career.
After being told by Anthony Seibold he would lead his childhood club, there was only one call Trbojevic could make first.
“I called Mum and Dad to let them know. If I didn't call them first, I wouldn't hear the end of it,” Trbojevic told SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“I let them know about it, let the missus know, and then let all the family know, and they were all very happy for me, which was great.”
The next call ‘Turbo’ made was to his brother Jake, another beloved figure at the Sea Eagles who many anticipated to be Daly Cherry-Evans’ successor.
Jake Trbojevic has captained the Sea Eagles on six occasions, often being first cab off the rank when Cherry-Evans was unavailable and has previously captained the NSW Blues to a series win in 2024.
But Turbo insisted there was no bad blood between him and his brother.
“We have a really good relationship,” Trbojevic stressed.
“Obviously, he's in a similar boat to me. Being captain would be such an honour to him, which I guess he's not gonna be which is a tad disappointing to him, which is fair, but he's really happy for me to get the role and he gets to do it by my side which is awesome.
“I called him after them, he was alright.”
Trbojevic revealed a litany of former Sea Eagles captains contacted him after the news of his appointment went public, including his predecessor Cherry-Evans.
“A lot of past Manly players have reached out,” Trbojevic said.
“Obviously, Jason King's coming on board (as CEO), which he's captained Manly before, Jamie Lyon, who I played with back when I debuted, so a lot of people are there to support me which is great.”
Trbojevic hasn’t figured what kind of a captain he wants to be yet, but one thing is for sure, the Manly fullback is well and truly up for the challenge.
“I've only been back for about 3 days now, so I probably can't tell you my style as of yet, but I don't think it's gonna change the person or the player that I am,” Trbojevic said.
“I've only been back for about 3 days now, so I probably can't tell you my style as of yet, but I don't think it's gonna change the person or the player that I am,” Trbojevic said.
“I'll still try and make it as enjoyable as possible, but it adds a bit more responsibility, which I'm looking forward to, but I don't think it's gonna change too much.
“It's something that I've always wanted to do. I want to be a leader among this group, and I feel like I've got a lot to offer in that space.
“I think that's something that I'm going to have to do over the next couple of years; really dive into (the job) and be the best leader I can for this team and this club.”
