Tom Trbojevic caught up in ugly NRL storm after Manly’s $750k salary cap move blocked
Manly insist Trbojevic’s offer to part with $750,000 of his contract earnings was done of his own volition.
Accusations Tom Trbojevic was guilted into offering part of his contract money back to Manly insults both parties, according to a key figure involved in the proposal. The Sea Eagles superstar offered to cut his salary by $750,000 over the next two seasons as compensation for missing so much football through injury over the past few years.
Trbojevic’s selfless act was knocked back by the NRL, which believed it would open up a dangerous precedent under their strict salary cap regulations. News of the plan has been met with cynicism and scepticism within NRL circles, with some suggesting the player was coerced into the move.
“Gordie and myself couldn’t believe it for a second. Do we believe the club had nothing to with him, apparently, walking into the front office (and putting this plan forward)?” NRL360 host Braith Anasta said. “We thought it was a gee-up. We couldn’t for a second believe it would happen.
“We’re hearing rumours that it was the club but I can’t confirm that. They’re just rumours.” Suggestions of impropriety have angered senior figures at Manly, who insist Trbojevic approached them with the proposal after he broke down with a hamstring injury following the round 10 loss to the Dolphins.
