Meninga backs talented Trbojevic

Kangaroos Mal Meninga has described prop Jake Trbojevic as a player of the future who will only get better with international experience.

Trbojevic was a late call-up to the Australian squad for the Four Nations as a replacement for the injured Josh Papalii.

The forward, who will make his Test debut tonight against Scotland, is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in the NRL along with his brother Tom.

“We love him, I think he is a player of the future there is no doubt about that,” Meninga told Love Rugby League.

“He gets his chance because Josh Papaliii had to pull out. I think he’s going to love this tour, I think its great for his development.

“He’s great around the team, the players admire and respect him and that’s an important part of all this.

“I love the way he plays and he’ll learn to get better so he’ll get the opportunity to play for the winning green and gold jersey.

“He already played for us in Papau New Guinea recently and he did really well there so he’s going to get his opportunity through this tour.”

Trbojevic debuted for Manly in 2014 and th 22-year old has already racked up 47 NRL appearances.

Hailing from Sydney’s northern beaches, the front-rower has Serbian heritage and had been tipped to play for Serbia in the World Cup qualifiers.

Meninga appears keen to tie Trbojevic down to the Australian side.

“At this point in his career you ask him who he wants to play for and I think he wants to play for the Kangaroos,” he said.