Sports · Other Sports · 2 hrs ago
Tom Trbojevic says he must improve after Australia’s win over Fiji
Tom Trbojevic scored three tries for Australia against Fiji in the Rugby League World Cup last Sunday, but he was unhappy with his performance.
Fiji playmaker Kurt Donoghoe repeatedly challenged the right edge defended by Trbojevic, a fullback playing on the wing, and helped set up three tries for Semi Valemei.
New Zealand also targeted that side in Australia’s opening match, exposing a defensive concern for the Kangaroos.
Australia had limited specialist winger options, so Trbojevic and Jack Bostock have been filling the positions.
Trbojevic says he needs more practice and better coordination with his teammates, who come from different clubs and defensive systems.
He plans to keep playing despite his injury history and the short turnaround between games.
Australia face the Cook Islands in Townsville on Saturday in their final pool match.
Tom Trbojevic says he must improve his defence after Australia’s win over Fiji.
The makeshift winger scored three tries in the match but was disappointed with his performance.
Fiji playmaker Kurt Donoghoe created opportunities for winger Semi Valemei, who also scored three tries.
Trbojevic said he was adjusting to defending on the wing and working to connect with teammates.
Australia was due to play the Cook Islands in its final pool game on Saturday night in Townsville.
- Who
- Tom Trbojevic, Australia’s makeshift winger, says he needs to improve.
- What
- He was disappointed with his defence despite scoring three tries in Australia’s win over Fiji.
- When
- After last Sunday’s match against Fiji; Australia’s next game was scheduled for Saturday night.
- Where
- The Fiji match’s location is not stated. Australia’s next game was scheduled for Townsville.
- Why
- Fiji’s attacks exposed defensive issues on Australia’s right edge, and Trbojevic said wing defence differs from defending at fullback.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Trbojevic scored three tries in Australia’s win over Fiji, while Semi Valemei scored three tries for Fiji.
Trbojevic said he was disappointed with his performance and rewatched the game.
Australia was scheduled to play the Cook Islands in Townsville in its final pool game.
- Trbojevic’s tries
- Three against Fiji
- Trbojevic’s Test tally
- 10 tries in nine Tests
- Valemei’s tries
- Three against Australia
- Next opponent
- Cook Islands
- Next match venue
- Townsville
What people are saying
I was disappointed the other night, and you hate feeling like you’ve let people down
I get it, people will look at that [what Donoghoe did], but I just have to be better.
I don’t get exposed in these defensive situations often; it’s very different to defending at fullback, so I have to get in as many reps as possible.