Players of Interest – Tom Trbojevic

Since his emergence as a talent in 2015, Tom Trbojevic ($691,200, FLB) (“Turbo”) has averaged 65, 76 and 74 PPG from the fullback position. To put that into perspective, just three other players averaged more than 70 in 2018 and eight in 2017. He’s the only FLB to average over 70 across both seasons with James Tedesco joining him in 2018 at 74 PPG.

To put it simply, he’s in absolute rare air.

Recent Statistics:

2018: Games: 22, Average: 74, MPG: 78, BPPG: 27, Evade: 23, Create: 19, Scoring: 7

2017: Games: 22, Average: 76, MPG: 79, BPPG: 31, Evade: 20, Create: 19, Scoring: 9

Check out our other pre-season content below:

2019 Players of Interest: Read all of these here

2019 SuperCoach Club Previews: Read all of these here

Why is so bloody good?

He produces assist stats worthy of a leading playmaker with 19 in 2018 (JT produced 26), averages 4.5 tackle busts per game, 1 offload, 1 line break, and 15 hit-ups. For a fullback, those are insane numbers.

So, you’re telling me he’s a lock and we should just spend the cash from Round 1? Set and forget, baby.

Well, there’s a catch……..

Before you lock him into your side consider this – the Sea Eagles opening draw is horrendous with a meeting against five of 2018’s finalists in their first 12 games.

In particular, the stretch of games between Rounds 2 and 6 is extremely tough with games against the Roosters, Warriors (in NZ), Rabbitohs, Knights (away) and Dragons (away). And in 11 games played against top eight sides last year, Trbojevic averaged just 58 PPG. He averaged a whopping 90 PPG in 11 games against bottom eight sides.

What’s also swaying me away from Turbo for Round 1 is the emergence of potential cheapies available at FLB to partner James Tedesco, including Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad ($265.5k) Scott Drinkwater ($219k), Nick Meaney ($281.5k) and Corey Allan ($168.5k). Cash is needed if you want to start with Damien Cook or have a stacked FRF/2RF, which is looking a likely requirement at this stage. Let’s also not forget about potential breakout candidates in Matt Moylan ($483.5k) and AJ Brimson ($462k) – both of which can be used as a stepping stone to Turbo later on in the season.

For this very reason, I will be leaving Turbo out of my Round 1 side and fought for a B ranking in this years Mega Guide (I was out voted…) – what about you?

Check out the rest of our Players of Interest articles below: 

Greg Inglis

Jahrome Hughes

Clint Gutherson

Brett Morris

Kurt Mann

Michael Morgan

Matt Moylan

Esan Marsters

Josh Mansour

Daniel Alvaro

Alex Twal

Tevita Pangai Junior

Kalyn Ponga 

Mitchell Moses

Joseph Manu 

Tim Lafai

WeninRome

Wenin is one of the founding fathers of the NRLSCTalk website who's Tuesday Teams Analysis has been a feature post on the site for close to a decade. He also loves a good steak bet!

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Semisonic

Will easily average 65+ to start the year. Steak me.

Hitro Okesene

I reckon other players available in the same position could match that for $200k less.

IcePapas

RTS :shutmouth:

Themoose77

I remember reading somewhere there was talk he might move to the 6 jumper this season and young Albert goes to FB. Any substance to this, and if so do we think it affects his output (ie he would be stuck on one side while DCE on the other)

Zlatan

It won’t happen.

OnTheBus

Torn, but I’m passing on him .

Geez those first 4 games last season make me nervous 73, 95 , 42,158.
this year they start tiges roosters knights warriors score 70s 69 115 (roosters) and 37

BT

As a Manly fan, he’s set and forget from round 1 haha.

carlosthedwarf

I didn’t have him at all last season and I won’t be making that mistake again. In over Teddy in my current team.

I don't pray to God; I pray to DCE

Highest ceiling in the comp. Set and forget.

Canary Yellow

Although it makes me nervous splashing that kind of coin on a back, I’d be even more nervous if he wasn’t in my team.

WhoDatBoy

The real question regarding Tom is if Drinkwater does get the start at the storm, do you pick Teddy or Turbo as your main Fullback

perrin_07

First picked with his brother. To me, they are almost a buy both since they work so well together.
I cant watch the fella without having him in my team. The day i dont start with turbo is the day i dont play sc.

Disco

Turbo over Teddy for mine

Teddy is playing near his peak imo where Turbo has room to improve…..A scary thought