Tom Trbojevic is used to dazzling the crowd at 4 Pines Park but it was his younger brother who took the reins on Saturday afternoon.
Saturday’s sold-out sale at 4 Pines Park was supposed to be about Tom Trbojevic’s return from a knee injury. Instead, it was his younger brother who stole the show in a performance that could revive his fledgling NRL career.
On just his sixth game and first NRL start, the 20-year-old used the opportunity to replace try-scoring machine Haumole Olakau’atu, who was out through illness.
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He scored the first try of the afternoon, set up another on the stroke of half-time, then capped off a memorable day when he slipped a second later in the game.
“It was quite a special moment for me and my family. It was such a special moment that I will never forget,” he said of the opportunity to play with his brothers at the ground where they spent most of their childhood on the hill, dreaming of one day playing in the NRL.
No one was happier for Ben than his older brother Jake, who gave him a huge hug after he crossed for his first NRL try.
“I think it’s the fastest he’s ever run. It was such a cool moment to score my first try in the NRL and to see them overflowing was special,” Ben said.
“To be honest, I was just trying to focus on defence. The ball kept coming my way and I was in the right place at the right time, so I’ll take it as a bonus.
The youngest of the trio Trbojevic admits he prefers playing in the crosses but said that could change after Saturday’s double. He only learned an hour before kick-off that he would be in the back row, and his effort did not go unnoticed by the coach.
“It’s a game that Benny will remember for a long time,” Des Hasler said.
“It’s usually the man of the match goes to the other guy (his brother Tom) but Benny got the spoils today. He will draw a lot of confidence from today. I am very happy for him and I am very proud.
Lazier kids would have said that a two-trial haul was enough as a Mother’s Day gift, but Ben is a good son who had already prepared something for his mother.
“I have something for him. In fact, I got it today (Saturday) so we’ll treat it well tomorrow,” he smiles.
“I went to see them (after the game) and they were excited. My friends are there, my girlfriend was there and everyone was delighted.
