The Panthers might have thought they’d get to play the Sea Eagles without their star fullback.
If the Panthers thought things were about to get easier after a shocking 1-5 start to the NRL season, they better think again. Ivan Cleary’s side have slumped to second-last on the NRL ladder after a fifth-straight loss in Round 6, thrashed 30-12 by the Dolphins.
At first glance, they’d seemingly be favourites in their next two games – against the Roosters and Sea Eagles. The Roosters are only one spot above the Panthers on the ladder, and not travelling particularly well.
But they’ve already beaten Penrith once this year and are coming off a stunning win over the Broncos in Round 6. And the news got even worse for the Panthers on Saturday when Manly coach Anthony Seibold revealed they’re expecting Tom Trbojevic to return two games early – just in time to face Penrith.
The Panthers would have been thinking they’d face the Sea Eagles in Round 8 without their superstar fullback, which would be a boost considering Manly’s poor record without the $1.3 million man. Manly initially stated that Trbojevic would likely miss four weeks, which would have put his return in Round 10 after a bye in Round 9.
But Seibold revealed after Saturday’s loss to Cronulla that their talismanic fullback is tracking to return one week early in Round 8. The Sea Eagles also expect to have winger Jason Saab back from an ankle injury against St George Illawarra on Thursday night in Round 7, with hooker Lachlan Croker also a chance to play his first game of the year.
“Saaby will play, all going well. And hopefully Crokes as well. If not Round 7 then Round 8,” Seibold said. “And then Turbo will be back for Round 8 (against Penrith) as well. They are a couple of important ones with our starting No.9 and fullback and Saaby as well.”
Seibold was also confident Haumole Olakau’atu had only suffered a corked shoulder when he fell on it trying to make a tackle. The second-rower required assistance from trainers on two separate occasions, but played through the issue in the second half.
Manly set for Tom Trebojevic boost against Panthers
Saturday’s 24-18 loss to the Sharks in Perth took Manly’s record without Trbojevic to just 16 wins in 49 games since the start of 2021. During that time they’ve won 38 from 58 with him, and they’ve never tasted victory in games that both Trbojevic and Saab have missed.
Manly missed Trbojevic dearly in attack on Saturday, failing to convert a heavy weight of possession into any points early in the game. “We gave ourselves enough opportunities, but it’s just disappointing some errors and fundamental errors in defence gave them the opportunity to capitalise,” Seibold said. “I thought there was a tonne more effort tonight, and we had a good start winning three of our first four. We’re not a million miles away.”
As for Penrith, coach Cleary is at a loss to explain their defensive woes to start 2025. The Panthers have now conceded 170 points in six games at a whopping 28 per match.
“It’s pretty obvious that our defence is not up to standard and that’s actually having a big effect on the rest of our game,” he said on Thursday night. “It did tonight.”