Tom Trbojevic's sad confession about brother Jake after brutal move from Mal Meninga

Trbojevic admits he's disappointed not to be sharing the international stage with his brother Jake.

Tom Trbojevic admits it has been difficult to make his Kangaroos comeback without his brother Jake by his side. The older Trbojevic was among a handful of high-profile players Australian coach Mal Meninga axed for this year's Pacific Championships.

Along with Jake, Meninga dropped Daly Cherry-Evans and former captain James Tedesco in the wake of last year's 30-0 loss to New Zealand. And while Jake was axed, his younger brother Tom made a triumphant return from a six-year hiatus, starring in both of Australia's Pacific Championship victories.

Pictured L-R: Tom Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic and Mal Meninga
Tom Trbojevic says he's disappointed not to be sharing the international stage with his brother Jake but understands Mal Meninga had several tough calls to make. Image: Getty

The Sea Eagles fullback has been among the Kangaroos' best across the side's two wins that booked a date with either Tonga or New Zealand in next month's final. Deployed in the centres - with Penrith's Dylan Edwards getting the nod at fullback - Trbojevic grabbed an intercept to score Australia's opening try of the series in the 18-0 defeat of Tonga.

Against New Zealand he was instrumental in securing a dominant win, with his display capped off with a dazzling dash down the right edge to put Zac Lomax over in the corner. But Trbojevic admits it was tough to head into international camp without his brother or Manly teammate Cherry-Evans.

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 27: Tom Trbojevic of Australia charges forward during the men's 2024 Rugby League Pacific Championships match between New Zealand Kiwis and Australian Kangaroos at Apollo Projects Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
Tom Trbojevic has been a standout performer for the Kangaroos at the Pacific Championships. Image: Getty

"I'm obviously disappointed for both of them, more probably Jake; He's my brother," Trbojevic told AAP. "But in saying that they're both obviously really happy that I'm back playing. That's just how the game works, unfortunately.

"I was disappointed for them but once you come in here, you're not really thinking about it too much. Mal's got a very tough job picking the team. I'm not going out there telling Mal Meninga who to pick."

Trbojevic was somewhat of a surprising selection in Meninga's 21-man squad given the fact he battled through the final two games of the NRL season with a shoulder issue that was expected to require surgery and also had a knee complaint. But the 28-year-old avoided surgery and has repaid Meninga's faith with two strong performances.

Trbojevic was forced to watch several Australian internationals from the sidelines in recent years due to injuries. The injury-plagued fullback missed the 2022 World Cup with a serious shoulder issue and sat out of last year's Pacific Championships after missing the majority of the season with a torn pectoral muscle. But now fit and healthy Trbojevic is revelling in the opportunity to pull on the green and gold again.

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"You don't want to miss games for anyone, I'm disappointed when I miss games for Manly," he said. "But you want to play as many Australian games as you can because it's something that's really special, representing your country. There's no prouder jersey to put on than to wear the green and gold. It is disappointing that injuries have gotten in the way previously but we're here now and just enjoying it."

with AAP