NSW Captain Jake Trbojevic Faces Scary Knockout in Townsville Encounter

Jake Trbojevic is highly unlikely to participate in the opening match of the State of Origin series after suffering a knockout from a fierce collision during Manly’s encounter with the Cowboys.

Immediate attention was given to Trbojevic by players on the field after he collapsed and lost consciousness following a significant clash with Murray Taulagi.

In an attempt to correct his error after dropping the ball in a hit-up, Trbojevic charged at Taulagi only to have his head collide with the winger’s shoulder.

His brother Tom, who was playing as Manly’s fullback, was the first to rush over to assist his brother on the ground.

Teammates and even opposing players gathered around Trbojevic as medics attended to the unconscious player, with everyone in the vicinity appearing visibly shaken.

Commentating for Fox League, Steve Roach noted, “He hit his head hard on the ground. He was out before he hit the turf… it was clear right away.”

Commentator Andrew Voss remarked, “He’s in a bit of strife there. He looks quite distressed and so do his Manly teammates. Tom is right in there assisting.”

As Trbojevic was carried off the field with the help of trainers, the crowd erupted into applause.

He’s likely to receive a category one concussion assessment, which requires an 11-day stand down, effectively ruling him out of the first Origin game.

Nathan Brown was substituted in for Trbojevic as the game resumed.

Catch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Earlier in the match, Jason Saab scored the opening try for Manly in the ninth minute.

Shortly after Trbojevic’s incident, Murray Taulagi almost crossed the line but was overturned by the Bunker for not reaching the try line.

This setback didn’t deter the Cowboys, as Robert Derby equalised in the 32nd minute.