Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues star and reigning Dally M winner Tom Trbojevic has given insights into how he deals with the expectation and pressure on his shoulders, so he can continue his love-affair with Rugby League.
During a webinar, where representatives from 58 junior clubs across NSW tuned in, the Origin and Test player spoke of giving up alcohol and social media during the 2021 season – and how he will repeat that in 2022.
The webinar was organised by the ‘Good Sports’ program under the auspices of the ADF (Alcohol and Drug Foundation), which aims at health and well-being initiatives at clubs of all codes. There are currently 10,000 clubs signed up to ‘Good Sports’.
Trbojevic, 25, has had some serious hamstring and leg injuries to overcome in his seven NRL seasons with the Manly Sea Eagles. Then there was the well-publicised dash up Manly Corso, after a drinking session at a local hotel. Trbojevic was already recovering from an injury at the time.
“It was all a bit of a rollercoaster but made me realise what I wanted to do with my life,” Trbojevic said.
“I always wanted to be a Rugby League player but sometimes I would hurt myself.
“I’ve made choices in my life to turn me into the best person and best Rugby League player I could be. Drinking alcohol wasn’t so I made the decision and I stuck with it.
“I came back from my latest injury and things just took off from then. It’s been a really fun journey because I’ve realised a lot about myself.
“It was a good year for me individually and for us as a club. We hopefully will build on that this year.”
The club record 28 tries from 18 games, 33 line-breaks and 28 try-assists, laid a platform for him and went a long way to him securing the Dally M, Brad Fittler and Wally Lewis Medals.
But mental pressures applied to elite players is also something Trbojevic has had to endure.
“It is hard but it comes with the job,” he said.
“We’re expected to go out and play footy – that’s why we get paid. Over time you come to realise that people will put you down, whether it’s in the media or on social media.
“But I’ve dealt with it by preparing the best I can, to go out there and achieve. If I do that then I can hold me head up high and sleep well at night.”
He gave up social media at the start of the 2021 season and said he would do so again in 2022.
“It’s a battle a lot of people go through so that’s another thing I gave up – gave up looking at it from the reason that you find yourself looking at stuff and reading stuff that doesn’t end up helping you.”
Trbojevic answered questions from junior coaches, players, parents on how to reach their goals.
“Just have fun – that’s what junior footy is all about,” he said.
“Build those friendships and find what it is that you love doing. For me it was Rugby League. That love and passion for the game keeps me going even today.”
“I’m not too sure of all the programs and pathways available in country areas. But for kids everywhere it’s all about having fun.
“Practise as much as you can, the more you’ve got a footy in your hand the better off you’re going to be at an older age. Keep enjoying yourself, keep supporting your mates, and keep playing footy.”
It all began for Trbojevic back when he was five years-old at the Mona Vale Raiders. He played in the U6s through the U17s – his first premiership was with the U7s.
“It was a really awesome being part of the Mona Vale Raiders - a very family-orientated club where I built some great friendships that I still have today,” Trboejvic said.
“No club survives without volunteers and family members all pitching in to get things running smoothly. Everyone comes from all different backgrounds but they come together to support their kids playing rugby league and having fun.
“Every rugby league player has a different journey and I’m very grateful for mine.”
