Jake Trbojevic admits Tom wouldn’t have been ready for game III recall

NSW Blues captain Jake Trbojevic has shut the door on any suggestions that his brother Tom was a chance to make his return to the side ahead of a series-deciding Game III.

When news filtered down on Saturday afternoon that incumbent centre Latrell Mitchell was all but ruled out of the final Origin game, Trbojevic’s name was immediately thrown into the conversation despite only just returning from a hamstring injury.

Alongside the likes of Bradman Best, Matt Burton and Izack Tago, Trbojevic was seen as a genuine contender but according to his brother Jake, it was an unlikely outcome.

“You just want him to relax and enjoy his footy,” Trbojevic told SEN.com.au.

“Everyone always watches every single step he does, he just needs a bit of time to sort of get back into his footy at Manly.

“He’s obviously playing a new position, so to learn all that and work really hard on all of that stuff.

“(He) didn’t really think it was right for him to come straight into Origin… he wasn’t picked but he wouldn’t have thought that (coming back into the team).”

Jake’s other Manly teammate, Hamole Olakau’atu was a surprising omission from Michael Maguire’s 17-man squad as he made way for Warriors’ star Mitch Barnett.

“Obviously you’ve got to give respect to Shmole (Olakau’atu), he did a good job in the first two games,” Trbojevic added.

“He took it like a great guy, he’s really happy for Mitch.

“Mitch has been in the first two camps, he’s trained really hard and he’s a really good guy, he deserves his opportunity.

“Obviously it’s a shame for Shmole because he’s been so good the last few seasons and the first couple of games, but as I said it’s exciting for Mitch.”

The Blues will be aiming to claim the State of Origin shield on enemy territory for the first time since 2005 in Game III next Wednesday night.

BY DOMINIC CRINITI / SEN