’I NEED TO BE BETTER’: TURBO
IT HAS been the talk of football circles all weekend why champion fullback Tom Trbojevic had such a rare night off against premiers Melbourne Storm.
And he was the first to admit it when we phoned the Sea Eagles superstar on Sunday to find out why.
Unlike some others, Turbo is not one to make excuses.
“I didn’t get involved in the game enough,” he said. “It comes back to me.
“It’s something I’ve got to do better this week against the Roosters (in Mackay).
“It was the way the game went. We didn’t have enough quality footy and it was hard to inject myself.
“You’ve got to win the fieldposition battles to play an expansive style of footy.
“Playing out of your own end and defending a lot … you don’t get those opportunities.
“In saying that, I’ve got to find another way to do it.”
The raging-hot favourite for the Dally M player-of-the-year is now focused on the Sydney Roosters and fellow champion fullback James Tedesco, who had another blinder against the Titans.
“It’s nice to even be rated alongside such an outstanding player,” Turbo said.
“He’s such a quality footballer and he’s had an exceptional year.
“Just playing alongside him at Origin level (for NSW) is really special. He’s a good mate as well. I know our defence will have to be spot-on to try to contain him.”
On his side’s performance against Storm, Turbo says Manly let themselves down.
That they played as poorly as Storm played well.
“We made too many mistakes and played at the wrong end of the field,” he said.
“That hurt us a lot. They had about 60 per cent of possession. You’re not going to beat a quality side like Melbourne like that.
“Still, we know we’re a much better side than what we showed on Friday night and you’ll hopefully see that next weekend when we get another chance.”