Billy Slater has revealed that Luke Keary told him after the Roosters’ clash with the Sea Eagles that he had never said someone’s name more times during a match than that of megastar fullback Tom Trbojevic in round two.
It’s a telling indication of just how much attention teams are dedicating to the reigning Dally M medallist, whose form this season has been underwhelming amid Manly’s win-less start.
“Everyone’s planning for Tom, everyone’s saying Tom’s name during the game,” Slater said on Wide World of Sports’ Billy’s Breakdown.
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“I was talking to Luke Keary after the game (and) he said I’ve never said someone’s name so much in a game of football.
“So, he’s a marked man now off the back of what he did last year.
“He’s going to have to evolve his game and get in the game.”
Trbojevic is yet to score a try this season and has registered just one try assist.
Manly lost the metres-gained battle 2084-1379 in their clash with defending premiers Penrith in round one.
They then lost the metres-gained contest 1829-1479 in their game against the Roosters.
Slater pinpointed Manly’s lack of go-forward as a reason for Trbojevic’s dip in form and the Sea Eagles’ early-season struggles.
“I think it’s in the middle of the field. Both (in) round one and round two they were beaten convincingly in the middle of the field. They didn’t win the field-position battle,” Slater said.
“It’s really hard to create opportunities as a fullback on the back foot.
“I’d like to see the middle compete more and try to win that battle. That would give the halves more opportunities for Tom Trbojevic.
“Look, Tom’s got to find a way. There’s no doubt about it.”
Manly will next square off with Canterbury at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.
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