Ben Trbojevic
A versatile and hard-hitting young back-rower who became a vital part of Manly's forward pack with his relentless work ethic and family legacy.
Born 2001 (age 25)·Australian rugby league footballer·Birthday: August 1·Generation Z
Biography
Ben Trbojevic emerged from the famous northern beaches rugby league nursery, following his older brothers Jake and Tom into the NRL spotlight. While his siblings became international stars, Ben carved his own path, debuting for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in 2021. His game is built on explosive power and a high motor, allowing him to play effectively in the centres or, more commonly, as a dynamic second-row forward. Known affectionately as 'Burbo', he represents a new generation of the club's identity, blending the family's formidable talent with a distinct, aggressive style. His development into a consistent first-grader underscores the Sea Eagles' commitment to nurturing local talent, and his presence ensures the Trbojevic name remains synonymous with Manly's fortunes for years to come.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Ben was born in 2001, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ben Was Born
The biggest hits of 2001
#1 Movie
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Best Picture
A Beautiful Mind
#1 TV Show
Survivor
Ben's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2001Born
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2006Started school
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2014Became a teenager
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Could drive
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2019Could vote
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2022Turned 21
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 25 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made his NRL debut for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in Round 14 of the 2021 season against the North Queensland Cowboys.
- Scored his first NRL try in a 2021 match against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
- Played a key role in Manly's 2022 finals campaign, appearing in their elimination final match.
- Has represented the NSW Blues at the Under-20s State of Origin level.
Did You Know?
He is the youngest of the three Trbojevic brothers to play for the Manly Sea Eagles.
He attended Pittwater High School, the same school as his brothers.
His nickname 'Burbo' comes from the name of his family's suburb, North Curl Curl, which is near the Burrows Park sporting fields.
“My job is to run hard, tackle hard, and do my job for the team.”
