Jake Trbojevic admits feeling he's no certainty to remain NSW State of Origin captain next year, content with being one-and-done as a winner in the role.
Trbojevic was this week handed the NSW True Blue medal, recognised by Blues coaching staff as best upholding the values of the jersey in his first year as captain.
The forward has detailed how the captaincy did not sit comfortably with him ahead of Origin I, before feeling more at ease in the role as NSW rallied from 1-0 down.
In doing so, he became the first Blues captain to lead NSW to a series-deciding win at Suncorp Stadium since Danny Buderus in 2005, and only the third ever.
Coach Michael Maguire repeatedly stated that he wanted Trbojevic as his captain, believing he unified the state and symbolised the passion NSW needed.
But Trbojevic concedes that with the likes of Nathan Cleary expected to return next year, he doesn't feel he's guaranteed to hold onto the job.
"I wasn’t really expecting (the captaincy). I know I’m getting a bit older as a player," Trbojevic said.
"There’s probably some other options that might have been injured this year. I’m a realist, I’m just happy being a good teammate.
"If I’m in the team next year and not captain, that’s fine."
Trbojevic said he was slowly becoming used to being recognised for personality and character, as well as his football.
"It’s a little bit weird. I wasn’t really expecting it, I just tried to be myself," he said.
"That’s why I got picked, Madge (Maguire) obviously valued something in me, I’m not sure what but he did, so I was just being myself and just did my best.
"I did feel a little bit out of my depth but I was just like ‘I’m going to give it a crack, why not ... and it turned out really well."
More immediately, Trbojevic's attention remains at seventh-placed Manly.
A win on Sunday over Cronulla would lock in a home final against the loser between Canterbury and North Queensland.
The Sea Eagles have lost only one game at 4 Pines Park this year, and sold-out all but two matches with the highest average attendance in the club's history.
"It’s massive for us (to get a home final). It’s everything on the line this week," Trbojevic said.
"For us to play at Brookie, that is motivation enough.
"We don’t have to win because we still play (finals) next week but we have to win because we want to play at Brookie next week."
The 30-year-old is also adamant his superstar younger brother Tom will have no issue playing finals with his badly injured AC joint, requiring weekly pain-killing injections.
"He's extremely tough," Jake said.
"I think it's undervalued his toughness, the way he plays the game. Everyone sees all the flashy stuff.
"He’s pretty mentally strong. He’s had to deal with a lot, he’s very resilient."
