Tom Trbojevic admits he has been disappointed for brother Jake, even as his own stellar Kangaroos comeback is set to stretch into the Pacific Cup final.
The older Trbojevic was among a handful of high-profile players axed for this year's Pacific Championships, coach Mal Meninga also dropping halfback Daly Cherry-Evans and former captain James Tedesco in the wake of last year's 30-0 loss to New Zealand.
Tom Trbojevic has returned from a six-year hiatus from the national team during the follow-up series and has been among the Kangaroos' best across two wins that have booked a date with either Tonga or New Zealand in next month's final.
Moonlighting at centre, Trbojevic grabbed an intercept to score Australia's opening try of the series in the 18-0 defeat of Tonga, and he made a dash down the right edge to help Zac Lomax score in the follow-up win over the Kiwis.
But in a perfect world, Trbojevic would have been lighting up the international stage with Jake and their Manly teammate Cherry-Evans by his side.
"I'm obviously disappointed for both of them, more probably Jake; He's my brother," Trbojevic told AAP.
"But in saying that they're both obviously really happy that I'm back playing.
"That's just how the game works unfortunately. I was disappointed for them but once you come in here, you're not really thinking about it too much."
Trbojevic backed Meninga's selection choices as the coach ushered in a new era following last year's record loss.
Dylan Edwards set up the try that sealed victory over the Kiwis in his second game since replacing Tedesco, with new halfback Moses on the receiving end of the fullback's break.
"Mal's got a very tough job picking the team. I'm not going out there telling Mal Meninga who to pick," Trbojevic said.
Trbojevic admitted it had hurt to watch Australia's previous internationals from the casualty ward.
The injury-plagued fullback missed the 2022 World Cup with a serious shoulder issue and sat out of last year's Pacific Championships after missing the majority of the season with a torn pectoral muscle.
"You don't want to miss games for anyone, I'm disappointed when I miss games for Manly," he said.
"But you want to play as many Australian games as you can because it's something that's really special, representing your country.
"There's no prouder jersey to put on than to wear the green and gold.
"It is disappointing that injuries have gotten in the way previously but we're here now and just enjoying it."
