Anthony Seibold has declared Tom Trbojevic will be fine to hit the ground running in round one of the NRL season, confident the Manly ace will not enter the season underdone.
Manly wrapped up a perfect first pre-season under new coach Seibold on Friday night, with their 28-16 win over the Sydney Roosters making it two-from-two in the trials.
The club are in the box seat to claim the inaugural NRL pre-season challenge and $100,000 prize money, after collecting 29 of a possible 30 points through their two matches.
But the ultimate prize for the Sea Eagles would be a fit Trbojevic.
Sidelined since he dislocated his shoulder last May, Trbojevic's pre-season also included a trip to the United States for work on his fifth hamstring injury in five years.
Working in the fullback's favour is the fact he has routinely found form after injuries, as best exemplified during his brilliant 2021 season off a disrupted pre-season.
"He's got enough in the bank to play 80 minutes. He's an elite athlete," Seibold said.
"Tommy trained a full session on Tuesday, a full session on captain's run. We've got 15 days now until round one.
"Unless something unforeseen happens, Tommy's back in full-time training.
"It was only a four-to-six week injury. The USA trip delayed the full return to training because of the jet lag.
"But to get the diagnosis of his running mechanics, that was the whole idea."
Trbojevic's fitness will give Manly close to a clean bill of health for the opening round against Canterbury on March 4.
Brad Parker broke his nose in Friday night's trial but is expected to be fit, while Seibold said Morgan Harper's knee was not a concern after the club knocked back an approach from Parramatta to swap the centre for Nathan Brown.
Josh Schuster also impressed in his first outing as full-time five-eighth in the win over the Roosters.
Young centre Tolu Koula was one of Manly's best, with the team's free-flowing attack a feature of both their trial wins.
"We have worked really hard on that side of our game," Seibold said.
"We are moving in the right direction, but the reality of it is we want a good performance against the Bulldogs in 15 days time.
"What we have done in the pre-season over the two trials, it doesn't matter."
Seibold also confirmed hooker Gordon Chan Kum Tong would remain on a development contract this year after impressing in trials, with Manly's top-30 roster spots full.
It means the youngster of Samoan and Chinese descent cannot feature before round 11 unless Manly suffers an injury crisis.
"He has shown everyone he can play first grade, which is pleasing," Seibold said.
