Trbojevic brothers say each coach has left a mark

Three coaches in four years might do anyone's head in but the Trbojevic brothers are grateful to have been able to pick the brains of each one.

Geoff Toovey gave both Jake (2013) and Tom (2015) their NRL debuts at the Manly Sea Eagles. But then he was gone and rookie Trent Barrett moved in.

Now 360-plus game veteran Des Hasler is back in charge, returning to the club he took to Telstra premiership glory in 2008 and 2011.

The changes have been swift and significant. But they have left their marks on the Trbojevics.

"It does sound a bit scary. I came into first grade after being given an opportunity by Geoff Toovey. And I'm very thankful for that," Tom told NRL.com.

"Obviously he's a legend around here so it was really good to have him as my first [NRL] coach.

"The one thing about him is his passion for the game and passion for Manly. It was very evident in everything he did.

"Then I got to work with Baz for the last three years and I really enjoyed that. I learnt a hell of a lot off him," Tom said.

"He made me understand the game in a different way. He did a lot of our attack and broke it down and taught me a lot about how defences work. He helped me identify how to break down defences.

"A big part of my game is attack so that was very helpful. Now with Des coming to the club, he's another Manly legend."

Dessie is unbelievable ... His whole of game knowledge is incredible

Manly forward Jake Trbojevic

"In the few months I've had with him you can see why he's so successful. He's tough but he's fair. He's a good bloke to have around and a great voice to hear. He knows and has done so much.

"Moving forward, I really want to win some games with him."

Jake Trbojevic, who spoke separately with NRL.com, has a similar read on all three head coaches.

"I just remember how passionate Toovs was and so passionate about the club. When I'm playing I'd like to put that same passion into everything I do," Jake said, of what Toovey left with him.

"Under Trent, I learned a lot. He got me to look up more and read the play better – counting numbers.

"He gave me a lot of confidence in my game. He was a real quality bloke.

"Dessie is unbelievable. It's only been a short time together but you can see what he's so successful. His whole of game knowledge is incredible.

"He trains us really hard, and I know everyone does, but Des' work ethic is right up there. He's there before any of us arrive and when we leave, he's still there.

"I can see why he's taken teams to five grand finals."

The Sea Eagles players are hoping 2019 will be a sixth.

And so far the Trbojevics are staying put in the positions they love.

Tom played three of his four Tests for Australia at centre and his debut Telstra Premiership season on the wing before spending his past two seasons (2017-18) at fullback. In 2016 he played all three (centre, winger and fullback) in the one year.

"Fullback is where I've been training. I love playing fullback, always have. There's been no real talk [with Hasler] about playing anywhere else."

Jake played mainly prop under Toovey and mostly lock under Barrett.

"I think front row and lock are pretty similar positions in the modern game. One difference is that you don't have to take the hit-up off the kick-off and that's a good thing being lock," he said.

"The last few seasons I've played predominantly lock and I feel comfortable there.

"So that's the position I see myself in at the moment."