Manly star Tom Trbojevic unlikely to feature in Rugby League World Cup

Male star Tom Trbojevic has all but ruled out a potential Rugby League World Cup return as he continues a lengthy rehab process after suffering a shoulder injury.

The 25-year-old was ruled out for the remainder of 2022 back in May after suffering a nasty injury against Parramatta that required shoulder reconstruction.

Trbojevic was rumored to be in line for a possible shock return for the Sea Eagles should they reach the Finals, but he spoke about it Fox League Podcast, The superstar full-back has self-excluded.

“Nah, I don’t think I’ll be there again,” he said.

“Of course it all depends on a medical decision, but I still have a long way to go in rehab, the time is getting shorter and we don’t have much time left to compete.

“I don’t think so, but I’ll keep working hard and see where we get.”

Trbojevic had an outstanding 2021 campaign for Manly, ending with the Dally M Medal and recognizing the Blues at State of Origin level.

And while there’s no doubt Trbojevic would have been one of the first names on Mal Meninga’s Australia squad, his chances of making it to the RLWC this October are slim.

“That’s another thing I’m not so sure about,” he said.

“It’s a medical decision, obviously playing at a World Cup is the pinnacle of rugby league for me – I’ve been lucky enough to don an Australian shirt four times and there’s nothing quite like that.

“But ultimately I have to be selected on this side first and I have to be absolutely fit.

“We will make decisions when we cross those paths but right now my focus is just getting that shoulder right and helping the Manly boys where I can.

“I’m not in conversation (with Meninga). I don’t think I’ll play football again this year, that’s just the reality.

“A shoulder injury often takes five months to get right and I’m not even two and a half months into it, so I don’t think I’ll be playing again this year.”

Tbojevic’s absence from the squad is unlikely to affect the Kangaroos too much given their depth at full-back and in the middle.

James Tedesco is the obvious contender for the No. 1 role, while a brilliant Origin campaign from Kalyn Ponga certainly won’t hurt his chances of a roster pick if he’s able to overcome his concussion problems.

Latrell Mitchell has been in fantastic form for South Sydney since returning from injury and is likely to take a central place, while Valentine Holmes and Dane Gagai will be in contention for the other spot.