Trbojevic played one of his best games of the year on Saturday night, ball-playing nicely at the line in the Sea Eagles' 44-12 win over the Warriors.

The performance came six days after being told by NSW coach Brad Fittler he had missed selection for Origin Game I, after being a fixture of the Blues team for the past four year.

"It was obviously disappointing, but I tried to not let it affect me," Trbojevic said.

"You can't let it be about yourself.

"Obviously, I am a realist and there are a lot of good players out there. I was just happy I got to play for Manly this week.

"It was a silver lining. I got to captain my club at home, which was really pleasing being a local junior."

Trbojevic's chances of winning back his Blues jersey will likely rest on how NSW perform in Game I on Wednesday night.

His biggest problem, however, remains the versatility of others playing his role.

The move towards ball-playing locks leaves Isaah Yeo at No.13, while Cameron Murray and Ryan Matterson are both in the side and can play lock and second row.

Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler admitted his surprise over Trbojevic's omission earlier in the week, before again praising his output on Saturday night.

"Jake does that every week. Tonight was no different," Hasler said.

"He's the consummate team player and any rugby league player will tell you that. He was terrific tonight."

Meanwhile, there were some concerns for Manly in the win, with fears second-rower Karl Lawton has suffered a serious knee injury.

Lawton could be seen getting hurt making a tackle, recovering to put on a heavy hit and then leaving the field all in the space of a minute late in the match.

Australian Associated Press