Sea Eagles re-sign local trio

The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have today announced the re-signing of exciting local juniors, Clinton Gutherson, and brothers, Jake and Tom Trbojevic until the end of 2017.

The highly sought after trio are all products of the Sea Eagles Junior Development Program, having quickly risen through the ranks to become members of the full time NRL squad.

The retention of the trio has always been a priority for the Club, and ensures that the finest homegrown talent remains on the peninsula for at least another two seasons.

For Mona Vale Raiders juniors, Jake and Tom Trbojevic, the thought of playing for another NRL Club never really entered their thoughts.

“Manly are a great Club and I’m extremely proud to be playing my footy here over the next few seasons,” Jake said.

“Tom and I have grown up in Mona Vale, knowing nothing else than Manly being one of the best teams in the NRL. It’s a privilege to play for our local Club.”

Brother Tom was equally excited about extending his contract with the Sea Eagles after recently making his NRL debut.

“I recently got a taste of what to expect as a NRL player and it was just as exhilarating as Jake had told me,” 18-year old Tom added. 

“The opportunity to play alongside my brother in the maroon and white was something I just couldn’t turn down.”

For Gutherson, a junior Kangaroo, his re-signing has given him motivation as he continues his rehabilitation for a torn ACL, sustained in the opening round of the season.

“It’s a great feeling to have recommitted. I’d like to thank the Club for giving me the opportunity to continue my career for the team I have always supported,” Gutherson said.

“My immediate focus is recovering from my knee injury as quickly as possible, so that I can get back on the field and repay the faith the Club has shown in me,” he added.

Sea Eagles CEO Joe Kelly was delighted to have secured the Club’s best local talent to long-term deals.

“A key part of our strategy is to recruit and retain local talent. Clinton, Jake and Tom are all exciting, home-grown juniors with bright futures and we’re delighted that they’re committed to the Sea Eagles,” Kelly said.

“I’m excited that the Sea Eagles Members, supporters and local community will have the opportunity to watch this trio in their backyard of Brookvale Oval,” added Kelly.

Having played his junior football in the same competition as the newly re-signed trio, Head Coach Geoff Toovey believes it’s a step in the right direction for the Club.

“We’ve had a number of great local juniors represent this Club over the years and it’s refreshing to see another three coming through now,” Toovey said.

“They are all fantastic young athletes, who have already had a taste of NRL and have proven that they are ready to embark on lengthy careers at the Club.

Now that their immediate future is sorted, they can continue their learning on the job.”