TRBOJEVIC PASSION COMES FROM A GRAND TALE
WHEN Jake and Tom Trbojevic run onto ANZ Stadium on Wednesday, the Blues brothers will stop to think of the man who instilled Origin hatred in them.
The sibling’s late grandfather Peter used to deliberately don a Queensland jersey while watching the game with them as youngsters.
Jake has fond memories of his pop’s cheeky stir infuriating him and Tom.
“Pa was just trying to fire us up,” the eldest Trbojevic boy recalled, laughing.
“He was geeing us up but it was always a good laugh.
“Origin was massive for us growing up. We were so passionate and we loved it.
“Whenever the Blues had a win we’d be so pumped but if we lost we were devastated. “I’m talking just filthy.” Flash forward over a decade and the Trbojevic brothers will line up for the Blues in a historic decider at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday.
Even now Jake still can’t believe that he is playing alongside Tom on rugby league’s biggest stage.
“It’s so special,” he said. “Playing juniors at the
Mona Vale Raiders we loved State of Origin growing up, so now to play together is so surreal.
“Playing alongside your brother for the Blues is awesome. The family is so happy and so proud.”
Jake particularly enjoyed playing with Tom in Origin II in Perth when his younger sibling bagged a hat-trick.
He said the sight of his brother brushing off defenders to score brought back some memorable recollections of junior football.
“When Tom was younger he scored lots of tries,” he said. “He was tall and lean but he was always quick and very switched on.
“He was one of those kids that watched so much footy that he just knew where to be.
“In the under 6s some people have no idea what is going on but Tom knew what he was doing.”