After Queensland’s defeat in the State of Origin, Tom Trbojevic and Nathan Cleary cause them additional suffering.

Tom Trbojevic and Nathan Cleary, who orchestrated Manly’s and Penrith’s incredible NRL victory against Gold Coast and the Dolphins, respectively, have contributed to making it a forgettable week for Queensland supporters. In just his third game back from a hamstring injury, Trbojevic looked like his best self on Sunday in a 38-8 thrashing of the Titans. And in his first game back since round 10, Cleary scored a game-winning two-point field goal for the Panthers against the Dolphins.

Trbojevic and Cleary were both sidelined by hamstring injuries on Wednesday night, which prevented them from participating in the Blues’ thrilling triumph over the State of Origin series. Michael Maguire’s team became only the third in 19 years to win a decider in Queensland. If completely healthy, Trbojevic and Cleary would have been among Maguire’s first choices for his team, but the Blues didn’t end up needing their superstars, which is a positive indication of the depth Maguire has at his disposal.

On Sunday, however, both men demonstrated exactly how significant they are and how vital they are to their respective teams’ chances of making the NRL playoffs. After their star fullback made a comeback against the Cowboys in round 18, Manly has now won three straight games and moved up to fifth on the ladder.

At 4 Pines Park on Sunday, Trbojevic was excellent against the Titans, who were coached by Des Hasler in the past. He scored two tries, set up three more, and contributed five line break assists. That kind of play brought back memories of the Manly No. 1’s 2021 Dally M Medal victory, which inspired his Sea Eagles to the preliminary final. Luke Brooks, who is on course to make it to the finals for the first time in his career and who produced maybe his greatest game in a Manly jersey since joining from the Wests Tigers this season, provided him with excellent support.

Next Saturday night, however, the Sea Eagles will put their premiership credentials to the test when they play the Roosters at Allianz Stadium in a matchup pitting fourth and fifth on the ladder. Manly would move up to fourth place on the standings with a victory over the Roosters, and they would secure their position with a bye in round 22 the following week. And Trbojevic’s ongoing availability and performance will be essential to coach Anthony Seibold’s team.