EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Johns suggests travel ban for Tom Trbojevic, declares ‘no way I’d play him’ for demanding journeys

Andrew Johns has proposed that Manly consider restricting Tom Trbojevic from participating in certain away fixtures to help minimise his risk of injury further.

The talented fullback has faced yet another disrupted opening to the season, having strained his hamstring in the second round against the Warriors, which kept him sidelined for a week.

Upon his return in round four, Trbojevic began the match with his right knee strapped, but he subsequently injured his left knee and was unable to resume after the interval.

Officials at the Sea Eagles have now confirmed that the 28-year-old will be out of action for a minimum of four weeks, marking another setback for the star player beleaguered by injuries.

Johns was quick to notice Trbojevic’s knee bandaging on Sunday and expressed how “difficult it was to observe” the injured Manly player in competition.

“He mentioned he had a quirky story for me, but I’m still waiting to hear it from Turbo,” Johns remarked on Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour.

“We aren’t sure about the extent of the injury, nor if it’s a stability issue or merely a knock. He sustained another injury to the opposite knee, making it quite challenging to witness him in action.

“Before his other knee went, he seemed to be running well, and I certainly don’t question the medical staff—they wouldn’t put Turbo at risk. It was tough to watch when Ethan Bullemor got clear and passed to Turbo, who couldn’t make a run.

“You have to take such decisions out of their hands—they shouldn’t be the ones deciding.”

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Trbojevic will miss crucial matches against strong competitors like Melbourne, Cronulla, and Penrith in the upcoming four weeks, along with a fixture against the Dragons.

Once he is deemed fit to return, Johns has advised that Manly should exercise extra caution with Trbojevic and even suggested measures to help prevent the recurring soft tissue injuries that have plagued him throughout his NRL career.

“I believe—if he’s flying for more than two hours, I wouldn’t risk playing him,” Johns asserted.

“Prolonged sitting is detrimental to your hamstrings and lower back, and this led to his hamstring issue in Auckland. There are two locations, Auckland and Townsville, where I would question taking him on an away trip.”

“He has a record of soft tissue injuries, but this one seems to be more about stability and twisting of the knee, which is difficult to prevent.”