Renowned fullback Tom Trbojevic has silenced the critics in the best way possible about his shift to the wing for the Kangaroos with hat-tricks in consecutive games against Fiji and Cook Islands.
His seven tries in three games on the right edge have played no small part in getting Australia to Sunday’s World Cup semi-finals, where they face Samoa at Allianz Stadium.
Commentary around Trbojevic being a far better fullback than he is a winger has not fazed him.
Many have forgotten Turbo's first Test for Australia was on the wing against France in the 2017 World Cup.
His NRL debut season for the Manly Sea Eagles (2015) was spent entirely on the wing before he switched to No.1 midway through 2016.
So in light of his recent points-grab for Australia, is Trbojevic a better winger than he is a fullback?
Australian Kangaroos v Cook Islands Aitu - Round 3, 2026
“Well, I wouldn’t go that far... look opinions are opinions,” he told NRL.com.
“I’ve always said that fullback feels the most natural to me.
“But to come into rep teams you are happy just to play anywhere they need you. Given my body type and what I’ve done in the past, I can adapt to a few positions.”
Trboejvic has played six of his 10 Tests so far at centre, and seven of his 10 Origins at centre – the other games for both teams have been on the wing.
So for the Blues or Kangaroos, the 2021 Dally M Medalist and Fullback of the Year has never played No.1.
The 30-year-old has also never played with Kotoni Staggs before until named in the 2026 World Cup squad.
Tom Trbojevic 3rd Try
The pair are forming a tight combination on Australia’s right edge, where they will take on Samoa’s Izack Tago and Sua Fa’alogo on Sunday.
“It does take a little time for us to be exposed to certain situations again and being able to solve those,” Trbojevic said of the partnership with Staggs.
“It’s being able to adapt to each other and work hard at training together.
“Kotoni is a very powerful and aggressive player. It’s great having him right alongside me.
“Off the field he’s very easy going, loves a laugh. He’s a great fella and even better to work with.”
Tonga v Toa Samoa - Round 3, 2026
Staggs admitted the pair had needed to find their groove.
“Tommy is obviously not in his first-choice position on the wing but we’ve had three games together now and each time we’ve got better,” Staggs said.
“I feel the game against Cook Islands was our best defensive game together and that’s all we were worried about.
“We know we’ve got a lot to offer in attack but playing alongside him, having Tommy’s experience around me, helps my game too.”
- All matches will be broadcast live and exclusive in Australia on Seven and 7plus, on Sky Sport in New Zealand and Digicel in Papua New Guinea.
