State of Origin game three: Jake Trbojevic just captained NSW to an all-time great Origin win – here’s why footy fans have made him the butt of jokes

Jake Trbojevic lifted the Origin title after leading the Blues to a memorable victory on Wednesday night, but he became the butt of jokes online after fans noticed a detail about his play in this year’s series.

NSW fanatics have no problem with the quality of Trbojevic’s efforts. He played a key role in bringing the team back from a horror start in the first game, to beating the Maroons in Melbourne and the miraculous success at Suncorp Stadium, where he captured the shield.

However, they have a problem with the fact that the captain has only played short periods in the matches against the Maroons this year.

He was on the field for 29 minutes in the first game, 33 minutes in the second game and just 23 minutes in the 14-4 win in Brisbane.

Trbojevic, who plays as a striker, is expected to be given some time to rest, but it is unusual for the captain to be off the pitch for so long.

Football fans showed no respect for the Manly forward as they ridiculed him on social media after the series win.

“Jake Trbojevic is that guy who does nothing in the group assignment and still gets an A,” one person wrote, adding, “Trbojevic’s role is just to lead the team onto the field and then get right back off.”

‘Cam Murray ran further to join the fight last night than Jurbo [Trbojevic’s nickname] “All series played,” said another commentator, referring to the Souths star’s involvement in the touchline skirmish at Suncorp.

A football fan joked that Cameron Murray covered more ground than his captain when he ran into the fray from the bench in the third leg

Another X user was a little more creative when it came to criticizing Trbojevic’s lack of time on the field this year

“Nicho Hynes ran 20 metres further than Jake Trbojevic in this Origin series,” said another fan, referring to the Cronulla halfback who was substituted after the first match.

“Does being captain mean you don’t have to get your shirt dirty?” asked another commentator.

One X user was a little more creative, posting the message “The blues squad to Jake Trbojevic when he said “We” in the speech,” accompanied by a clip of Walter White from the TV show Breaking Bad saying, “We? Who’s we?”

‘Deadset Joseph Sualli [sic] played more minutes than Jake Trbojevic this year,” another user wrote, referring to Roosters player Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, who was sent off in the first 10 minutes of the first game and played no further role in the series.

After the win in Brisbane, Blues coach Michael Maguire hit back at critics who had criticised the captain’s lack of playing time.

“A lot of you were wondering if Jake could be captain,” he said.

“It’s the glue, it’s the special parts in and around the team that people don’t get to see.

Trbojevic (pictured left with teammate Angus Crichton after game three) dismissed fans’ concerns about how long he has been on the bench

‘I wanted Jake as our captain because of his character, the players love him – they just had another special moment [the dressing room] where they all cheered him.

“I felt like Jake was the guy I wanted to lead the team, so that was nice to see.”

Trbojevic also spoke about the problem after the 20-point loss in the first match, when he sat on the bench for more than 50 minutes and only came on again four minutes before the end, when the match was already decided.

Asked if Maguire had explained his reasoning, he replied: ‘He did, but he didn’t have to. It was fine.’

“It’s a professional sport and I’m a grown man. That’s how it goes.”

‘It’s the highest level. It’s not like under eight, where you share your minutes.

“I’ve been here for a while. When you get to play for the Blues, it doesn’t matter how many minutes you get. I’m just happy to be here.”