The Manly Sea Eagles have put weeks of speculation to rest, confirming that superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic will begin the 2026 NRL season in his preferred position [[1]]. The decision, which effectively ends discussion around a potential shift to center to accommodate young talent lehi Hopoate, signals a strong vote of confidence in the captain’s leadership and offensive impact as the team prepares for the upcoming preseason [[2]]. Beyond the Sea Eagles, injury concerns for Canberra’s Coby Black and a developing halves battle at South Sydney highlight key storylines emerging from preseason training camps.
The future of Tom Trbojevic with the Manly Sea Eagles has been decided, silencing weeks of speculation about a potential position change.
The superstar fullback is set to start the new season in his preferred role, putting an end to talk of a move to the centers to make room for Lehi Hopoate.
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That means Hopoate – who will turn 21 on Australia Day – will continue to develop his game on the wing, at least as long as Trbojevic remains healthy.
While “Turbo” isn’t expected to participate in the upcoming preseason trials, he will feature in a behind-closed-doors scrimmage against the Dragons at Kogarah this Friday.
Speculation had mounted that coach Anthony Seibold was considering a significant shift, moving Trbojevic to center to lessen the workload on the 29-year-old. This would have opened the door for Hopoate to take over the No. 1 jersey, a position many believe suits his talents best.
However, Trbojevic has spent the entire offseason training exclusively at fullback, and Seibold has no current plans to change his captain’s position. The decision to keep Trbojevic at fullback is seen as a vote of confidence in his leadership and impact on the team.
While a move to the center could potentially extend his career, keeping Trbojevic in his preferred position is the right call, ensuring the Sea Eagles have their star player at his most effective.
Hopoate’s time will come, but for now, the focus remains on maximizing Trbojevic’s impact.
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FORMER BRONCOS PRODIGY FACES INJURY SETBACK
Canberra Raiders recruit Coby Black is facing a potential setback after suffering a nerve issue in his neck during a contact session in December. The injury could jeopardize his chances of starting the season.
While MRI scans ruled out a fracture, the issue has weakened movement in his arm, preventing him from participating in further contact drills during the preseason. Black was expected to compete with Ethan Sanders for the No. 7 jersey following Jamal Fogarty’s departure.
The 19-year-old’s return to play is currently uncertain, though he remains hopeful of being fit for the season opener. Despite the injury, Black has continued running and is scheduled to play a round of golf with coach Ricky Stuart this Sunday.
SULLIVAN EMERGING AS RABBITOHS’ HALVES CONTENDER
The biggest storyline developing at South Sydney this year isn’t Latrell Mitchell’s expected move to center, but the competition for the No. 7 jersey. Jayden “Bud” Sullivan is emerging as the frontrunner to start alongside Cody Walker in the halves.
With Jamie Humphreys serving a two-match suspension, Sullivan has an opportunity to prove himself. The other contenders are Ashton Ward and Dragons recruit Jonah Glover.
Coach Bennett has been impressed with Sullivan during the preseason and believes the 24-year-old is a better player than he’s often given credit for. Sullivan has been working his way back from surgery to address an infection in his leg, but he’s expected to be fit for the start of the season.
Ironically, a suspension to Lewis Dodd last year opened the door for Humphreys, and now Humphreys’ ban has created an opportunity for Sullivan. The shift to center for Mitchell is expected to accommodate the rise of Jye Gray at fullback, creating a dynamic backline alongside Jack Wighton and Alex Johnston.
FIFITA’S WEIGHT LOSS IMPRESSES
The Rabbitohs are also seeing positive changes from new recruit David Fifita, who has reportedly dropped around 5kg since joining the team. Fifita is determined to shed the reputation of underperforming, and his attitude has been praised by the coaching staff.
Tevita Tatola has also made significant gains in his physical conditioning, working hard to recover from an injury-plagued 2025.
MANLY HALVES FACING COMPETITION
At Manly, young gun Joey Walsh is putting pressure on experienced playmakers Luke Brooks and Jamal Fogarty after an impressive preseason. The NRL’s new six-man bench rule will likely ensure Walsh a regular spot in the squad.
Walsh, who made his NRL debut late last season, has recovered from glandular fever and is poised to make an impact. Simi Laiafi is another young player training well and pushing for a spot in the Sea Eagles’ top squad. Taniela Paseka has also recovered from a ruptured Achilles and will participate in Friday’s scrimmage.
