Tom Trbojevic has been cleared by the NRL to play Manly’s Friday night clash with the Dolphins despite initially being ruled out by concussion protocols.
The superstar was stood down for 11 days after the head knock that forced him from the field late in last Wednesday’s State of Origin opener was ruled a grade one.
However, that ruling was overturned by the NRL after lobbying from Manly’s club doctor Paul Bloomfield, who disputed the severity of Trbojevic’s concussion.
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The Sea Eagles released a statement confirming the news on Tuesday morning, with Manly CEO Tony Mestrov saying Trbojevic’s welfare had been the number one priority in the process.
”Our Chief Club Medical Officer, Dr Paul Bloomfield, agreed that Tom had to be removed from the field but at no point was he diagnosed with concussion,” Mestrov said of the incident that led to Trbojevic finishing Origin I on the sideline.
“Furthermore, Tom does not have a history of concussion issues.
“Throughout this process, Tom has not been diagnosed with concussion from either NSW Dr Nathan Gibbs, Dr Bloomfield, or independent doctor, Dr Chris Levi.
“Tom will line up for the Sea Eagles on Friday night.”
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The ruling is a huge boost for Manly, who sit 10th on the ladder, one point behind the Dolphins, and have won just one of their last five matches.
It also changes the complexion ahead of State of Origin II, with Brad Fittler to select his NSW side for the game at Suncorp Stadium following this weekend’s round of games.
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Trbojevic’s position had been considered vulnerable due to the fact that he would not have played between game one and game two, but his fate is now likely back in his hands.
The 26-year-old is a Fittler favourite but has come under pressure this season due to below par performances for the Sea Eagles. He did not have a significant impact in attack in Origin I.
With Latrell Mitchell likely to return from a calf injury to book his place in the Blues side at left centre, Trbojevic faces competition from Stephen Crichton and Campbell Graham for the right centre position.
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