Tom Trbojevic has ended weeks of speculation by recommitting to the Manly Sea Eagles, rejecting a lucrative overseas offer to stay with his boyhood club.
The superstar fullback has agreed to a new one-year deal reportedly worth just over $900,000 for the 2027 season, closing one of the NRL’s most dramatic contract sagas.
Trbojevic’s decision comes after tensions flared when Manly cut $300,000 from an agreed three-year extension, leaving the 2021 Dally M Medallist feeling disrespected.
But in a major U-turn, the Sea Eagles icon has chosen loyalty over money - and a clean slate at Brookvale.
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From fallout to forgiveness
Trbojevic and Manly had verbally agreed in September to a three-year contract extension worth between $850,000 and $900,000 per season.
However, when the deal was sent to the club’s board for approval, the offer that came back was slashed to around $750,000 a year - a $300,000 shortfall from what was discussed.
The revised figure represented a further pay cut from Trbojevic’s existing $1.1 million salary, prompting reports the 27-year-old was seriously considering a move to the Warrington Wolves, where coach Sam Burgess had tabled a two-year Super League offer.
Despite Warrington’s interest, Trbojevic’s choice was ultimately about principle, not money.
“He felt hurt by how things were handled,” one insider told News Corp. “But his heart was always in Manly.”
Loyalty over money
It’s not the first time Trbojevic has shown his commitment to the Sea Eagles.
In recent years, he’s reportedly offered to take a $750,000 pay cut to help Manly retain young stars while he recovered from injuries.
He also declined a $30,000 Blues payment earlier this year to ensure he could line up for Manly rather than travel as NSW’s 18th man.
Those close to the fullback say this latest deal is a continuation of that loyalty, even after what he viewed as a “betrayal” in negotiations.
One-club commitment
Trbojevic is currently holidaying in Bali after a long season, but sources confirm the handshake agreement with Manly will be finalised when he returns.
The 2027 extension ensures he remains a one-club player alongside brothers Jake and Ben Trbojevic - something he’s always said was important to him.
Trbojevic’s decision is also seen as a crucial morale win for coach Anthony Seibold and the Sea Eagles, who have faced questions about player retention and internal relationships.
For now, “Tommy Turbo” remains in maroon and white - and Manly can breathe again.