Hi, it's Gus Walland here and welcome to Not An Overnight Success, brought to you by
Shoren Partners Financial Services. In this podcast, we sit down with some very
successful people from the world of business, entertainment and sport to chat
about their life's journey and how they became the success that they are today.
In today's episode, we are chatting with two of the Trevojevic brothers, Tom and
Jake. If you're a rugby league fan, well these boys probably don't need an
introduction, but if you're not, you're about to meet two of the nicest, most
humble athletes in the game, in fact, in the world. Tom and Jake are NRL superstars
for Manly, also the New South Wales Blues and the Australian Kangaroos. Despite
Tom being the 2021 Daily M medal winner, which is the award for the best player in
the game, neither of these boys have forgotten their roots and they're not
going to anytime soon. In this chat, we speak about their intense, strong family
bonds and what makes them who they are. We talk about that incident in the
and whether they'll remain one club players. We speak about their younger
brother Ben joining the Seagulls and how their other brother Luke manages being
the one left out. Both boys have an incredibly unique perspective on what it
means to be a superstar of the game and how they represent the people on and off
the field. With Tom being 25 and Jake 27, these brothers have the world at their
feet, but for now, they'll be staying on the northern beaches. As for all these
podcast, Sean partners have generously donated $10,000 to the charity of the
choice of each of our guests. We discuss who that money goes to in this chat.
The executive producer of this podcast is Keisha Pettit. We couldn't have done
it without our great mate, Kelly Stubbs. Let's get into our chat with Tom and
Jake Trevojvich. Tom and Jake, welcome to the podcast. How are you boys?
Yeah, good. How are you? Very, very well. It's really lovely to
talk to you guys. I've known you for a long time and knowing the family and so
forth. But obviously talking to you guys today about being professional rugby
league players and you've both done brilliantly. What were you like as kids?
I guess we're not too different. Obviously grew up in a family with those four of
us. Obviously a lot of fun at home with a back out at the front. So a lot of
footy, a lot of cricket at the front. We just loved the game. I like growing up,
as you said, family was heavily involved. Like our parents were always down at
Newport Oval for the Raiders watching all the games. Like it wasn't just our
game on the Saturday. We'd watch every single game. It's a big part of our life
growing up rugby league. And it's been so good that we can continue to do what we
love. You know, it's awesome. Oh, absolutely. And the thing I love about
you guys is that even when you were making it and playing first grade,
you're playing on Friday night, you'd be down there on a Saturday helping set the
field up or doing the barbie or running the waters and stuff. I mean, the
main of our Raiders are a huge part of your life. Yeah, like massive. And that
probably comes from our parents. You know, our dad, he did a lot down there. He was the
president for a long time. And, you know, Mum did all sorts of roles, you know,
gear steward, all that canine. But we used to love it by the Saturday morning
set ups. And there's some really good culture down there, some really good
people. Yeah, it was cool. We met a lot of good people down there.
Yeah. And they love you and they're right behind you. They'd be shouting and
screaming on a Friday night for you guys at Brookie. And then you do the same on a
Saturday. Did that just come naturally to you too, Tom?
Yeah, I think I know what you said before that club, it did a lot for us.
Made footy there for 12, 13 years. And it was just about, I guess, giving back to
them. And like Jake said too, the culture down there. And, you know, we used to love
getting up early and going down there and setting up the field, getting the
bacon egg roll in here and just enjoying the day. That was how we wanted to spend
our Saturdays. So thoroughly enjoyed it too.
There was never a moment where you went, OK, come on boys, don't forget where you've
come from. And you're like, oh, Dad, you know, played last night, you know, had
recovery and that sort of stuff. It was always just, you know, a part of your
makeup. Well, I think Dad would have made us if he said that. So it wasn't worth it.
But, you know, it was definitely like even training. We used to train on Friday
nights and the whole club would be down there. And there'll be a big barbecue
after like every single week. It was something we look forward to, you know,
after school. And it was a really good time, to be honest.
I've been down there. I've seen that sort of culture and stuff. And I know exactly
what you mean. And I want to focus just on your mum for a moment before we talk
about your dad. So your mum and I used to do the canteen at Mauna Vale Public
School and I was the only dad that could do it because I had brekkie radio. So we
got to know each other really well. And I don't think you could find a more kind
of sweeter, more focused on other people person than your mum. What are your
thoughts on your mum? Yeah, I think it sums up pretty well. Yeah, she's been
awesome for us. Can't thank her enough for everything she's done with us. And
she used to love that canteen job down there at Mauna Vale. And I still remember
being back at school and you'd be able to skip the line and just call her name
out and she would hand you a few chicken tenders and you'd be on your way.
How good were the chicken tenders? I was a cool kid around school with my mum in
the canteen. I was getting everything for free.
What about you, Jacky? No, we got so much love and support from our parents, hey.
Like even to this day, like they'll hardly miss a game. I think their most
hated thing about the last couple of years is they weren't able to come to
our games, hey, while we're up in Queensland. And I think that killed them.
So they've given us so much. And as Tom said, you can't thank them enough.
Very appreciative of what they've done. And, you know, they've both been great to
all of us. You know, not only me and Tom, but Luke and Ben and continue to let us
chase our dreams. Yeah. Yeah, I love that. And I had a drink with your dad on
Friday night, just luckily at the bowling club there for one of my daughter's
friend's 20th birthdays. And across he comes and he shouted and I turned around
and I went, this is going to be a nice, you know, like you just see your dad,
he's a massive man, but you just know, you're going to have a nice
conversation with him. He was that happy to say, yeah, we've heard about it 10
times. Well, he sat down and of course, everyone's talking about you two boys,
right? And you in particular, Tom, around the season you've just had and he just
deflects it. It's a complete deflection the whole day. He goes, oh, they're doing
what they love and so forth. He's like that, isn't it? He's not calling himself
Durbo. That's what he's been going around doing. Oh, is he? No, he wasn't. He was
being very good about that. What's your dad like? What does he mean to you? Oh,
yeah, very similar. They've both been there. Very cruisy fellow. He's done a
lot for the family and like mum, very giving. Always do whatever he can to help
anyone out and a great role model for all four of us. Yeah, there's no doubt about
that and an unbelievable player himself, but really just wanted to play with his
mates. That's the rumour on the beaches anyway, that he could have played AFL and
rugby league, but he just decided just to play with his mates. Yeah, I've only
heard that from other people. He never really say, but yeah, he played for the
Narrabeen Sharks back in the day and said they won four straight comps and it was
a really, really good competition back there. He reckons at times they'd get
more people at Lake Park as opposed to a first grade game that was on at the same
time. It was just, I don't know, back then the local comp was really well
supported and people followed the Sharkies a lot and they're a really good
team. So obviously there was a rumour that, I don't know, I've heard, but yeah,
he hasn't never confirmed or anything. He doesn't really talk about it, to be
honest. Yeah, I still remember when dad used to take us down to watch A-grade.
He wasn't playing, but we used to go down there to watch it. When we were a bit
younger. Yeah, it was pretty cool vibe. Like they'd back up the cars.
He was the local hero around Narrabeen. He wasn't even playing.
The Raiders obviously a huge part of your life, but you both wanted to play
for the Manly Sea Eagles. So the simple fact that you're getting to play, I
remember your debut was against Penriff, laid on. I remember talking to you about
it, Jake, and you were blowing big time. You put a couple of lovely hits on us.
So what was that like that day? Because I know so many people went to the game
just to watch you. Yeah, it was special. It sort of just come on. Like I didn't
expect it. I was in under twenties and Manly first grade were killing it.
2013, they ended up losing the grand finals to the Roosters. They're in the
top four and Jeff Toovey rested players. So me and Clint Gotherson, we got to
debut the same day, actually, there at Brookvale. So it was sort of just
happened. I didn't really didn't expect it. When did you get the call from the
coach? We got told we had to go to training that week, but that had happened
a few times during the year because they sometimes needed extra numbers.
Sort of thought it was just like that and went there and everyone was sort of
congratulating me and I was like, what's going on here? Anyway, then Jeff Toovey
called me in his office and told me and I was like, what the hell? Like this is
crazy. I was not expecting it. And then I remember waking up that day because I
get nervous at the best of times, very anxious at the best of times. So
obviously your first grade debut is a bit crazy. I was very nervous, like so
nervous. And then I was on the bench for the first probably 55 minutes, I
reckon. So sitting there just watching, that's killing it. It's just killing
you. Then I got on and all the nervous energy, as you said, after about five,
10 minutes, I was gone. I was like, I'm not up to this. I'm dead
sitting on up to this. So I was off after about 10, 15, which is, I was
happy to come off to be honest. That was so fast. Like just the difference in
level from under 20 is just noticing it and all the nervous energy. But as you
said, having everyone there, my family, all my friends from the Raiders,
they're watching was so cool. Even though we lost the game, which was
devastating. It was just such a cool experience, especially being a rookie
with everyone there. Yeah, it was lovely. I mean, even knowing you for, I
suppose, five or six years and obviously coaching your younger brother, Luke, I
sort of felt a part of it. It was just fantastic moment. It's a sunny day. I
remember. Yeah, it was cool. It was really cool. Like, I don't know. Yeah,
looking back, it was pretty proud moment, as you said. How many have you
played now? So I'll be around 160. Wow, that's gone quick. Yeah, it is.
It just gets away from you. Like, obviously, enjoying it so much. Yeah,
love doing what we do. And yeah, looking back, it's gone very quick. It's been
really good fun. Hopefully, some more good time to be nice. I'm sure there
will be. What about you, Tom? What was your debut? My debut was around five in
2015, playing down in Albury, of all places. Okay. Lavington Sports Park.
That's it. So I started the year under 20s, played the first four games and
then had a few injuries up in first grade. So yeah, I got caught up for the
week. And like Jake said, I remember talking to Jeff Toovey, being told that
I was going to play, instant nerves. I was obviously very excited, very nervous.
And yeah, I still remember getting the bus to the ground and I was absolutely
shaking. Absolutely shaking. But I was a bit luckier than Jake. I didn't have to
sit on the bench. I kind of just straight out there and playing out in the wings.
So you don't have to do too much.
How did you go? Can you remember? And did Manly win that game?
We didn't win. Lost by about 18 or something.
We lost company to Canberra, but he got a double. So that'll do on Dubu.
Oh, he got a double on Dubu. I had to do absolutely nothing for them.
I scored the first try of the game. Peter Hooker was over the line and just
passed it to me just to help out all my mates get the first try score off. So
that's good. That's good. That was only my fifth game.
So I'm more, I'm nervous for myself. And then Tom's Dubu and like, it was just,
I needed this game over quick. What about your mum and dad? How were they feeling?
Oh, that would have been absolutely losing the plot in the stand. I think they were happy the
game was over too. Do you realize how many people are watching the game for Manly who love you guys
and they know you as people, right? So they just want you to go well. And they're screaming at
the TV. Like that day you gave Ben the try, you know, and that got called back. Like it was like
World War Three. It was criminal. Like where's your, where's your, where's your, like just the
thought empathy is something, something, just the moment, just feel the game, son. You're smashing
them anywhere. Like, seriously. So if anyone doesn't know that moment. So the third brother
was playing and there was this amazing sort of off the kickoff, off the kickoff and the ball goes
down and eventually Tom has, and he looks around for his brother, Ben, who he throws the ball to
and he scores. Everyone goes nuts and the referee calls it back 90 meters. Yeah, he actually awarded
it. It was the new, you know, they award it, then they check it. So he thought he'd scored for,
you know, a minute. Have you spoken to him about that? And also the fact he's now, you know, a
first grade footballer. Yeah. He was obviously devastated about the moment, but it was so cool
getting him to play locker. As I said, again, not expected. We probably had a few injuries there
mid year and his debut game probably didn't go as planned. I guess he only got on the last minute
and first run he was off with the HIA, but he was just happy to be happy to be a part of it.
You know, and he, so he ended up playing four games. The next three games sort of played,
you know, 10, 15, 20 minutes. He did well. Yeah, he did really well. He held his own, which is
gave him a lot of confidence, you know, he's only 19. So got a long way to go, I guess a lot to
learn, but it was just, it was nice for him to do that. Nice to get to play with us for the first
time. You know, it was the first time I'm going to do that. So it was a really cool moment for the
family. Absolutely. So when you passed him that ball and he did score the try that looked as
happy as I've ever seen you, Tom. Yeah, I was pretty stoked and absolutely loved it. And obviously
we played, played well that afternoon. So a bit of a shame that it got taken off him, but that's
footy sometimes you'll score plenty in his time, hopefully. Now there's three of you, you know,
and Ben will probably play a bit more next year. There will be a point in the next couple of years
where the three of you are running on and starting players you'd imagine for Manly. What does that
mean to you? And does it even make you more likely to stay as one club players? Oh,
it's pretty cool. Like obviously just getting to play with one brother is cool. Then I know Ben
coming through, it's so special. Like I think so proud for the family. And like I remember, yeah,
when he was making his taboo was, it was pretty emotional. It's like I'm looking over and Ben's
like there. It's like, what's going on? It was so cool. And yeah, getting to play there is so
special. So hopefully, as you said, he gets a bit more time in the coming years, but we know he's
only young. So he's just bide his time doing what he does, keep trying to improve, keep trying to
learn and see where he can go from there. What about one club? What are your thoughts on that,
Tom? Cause I imagine there will be, there was a rumor back in the day that Desi, when he was
at the Bulldogs knew that you could be someone he could grab. Did you go close to ever leaving
Manly? No, I haven't really been close at all, to be honest. You know, we're very lucky that we grew
up in this area and this club has always wanted us and we're very thankful for that. And I haven't
really been at all close to leaving. And now we've got another five or six years here. So I
definitely plan to stay here for as long as I'm playing footy. Yeah, that's fantastic. And all
Manly fans right now are very happy about that. Where does the name Trevojvice come from? It's
Serbian. So on our dad's side, obviously, our grandparents are one Serb, one Croatian. Okay.
And how long did it take you guys to learn how to spell it? I'm still struggling. I'm still
struggling. The worst is when you're trying to read it out to people, they always try and put
an O in there and TRB just doesn't make any sense. So yeah, it's a confusing one. It sure is. And
there was a great thing through the finals run you guys had, they were putting, you know, primary
schools where we're asking people how to spell Trevojvice on that. Down there in Manly Village.
Yeah. I went down there. That was funny. That was their word. They'll learn the spell for the week.
Fantastic. That was cool. What is it like actually being someone in that area, which is a very tight
knit area and we've got sort of, you know, I suppose we keep to ourselves. We're quite
isolated on the Northern beaches. What's it like actually walking around there, driving there and
so forth. You get good comments all the time. You ain't get left alone too often, I wouldn't
have thought. No, it's not. As you said, it's a great, like obviously you live there, you know,
it's a really nice area, good people and very supportive and you know, they love their local
team. They love the Seagulls. So it's cool, especially good when, you know, there's been a
few bad years, which haven't been great. But then since we've been back from Sunshine Coast,
everyone's just saying how much they love the year, like something they look forward to during
lockdown, you know, like the game on the weekend. It was nice that we're playing well so they could
enjoy it. And yeah, definitely a really good area. Everyone's very supportive and they just love
seeing us do well. Yeah, which is nice. It's really nice. Incredible feeling when you guys got on that
role, you know, were you feeling the love, even though you're up on the Sunshine Coast? Yeah,
I certainly were people in lockdown. That was the highlight of the week. Obviously very hard time
for a lot of people here in Sydney. And you got a lot of people sending photos of themselves,
their kids in Manly jerseys, you know, passing on messages and photos with flags out the front of
houses. And obviously it would have been nice being here to see that, but you know, it wasn't
the case. And we're very thankful. The Manly fans, they're awesome. They absolutely love the club and
they always support him. And you know, we're very lucky for that. What's Desi like? He's good. No,
he's good. He's really good. Cause you love Trent Barrett as well. You were sad when he got the
flick. Yeah, no, obviously we got on really well with him and he was a really good guy. And yeah,
it was sad to see him go, but Des has been unreal. Like I can see why over time he's been
such a good coach, how hard he works, his attention to detail is just honestly second to none. I've
never seen anyone work so hard. And the lengths he goes to when he delivers a game plan, like it's
crazy. It's like something you sort of got to see to believe, you know, and he's a really good guy.
He's really funny, like he's really easy to get along with. I know he doesn't give off that persona
on TV, sort of gives away nothing, but he's really good and he's got some different quirks and that
sort of thing, which we all find. He looks like, he looks like he's like an unmade bed. You know,
the chat before the game and stuff, he honestly looks like he hasn't brushed his hair or.
I think he puts it, he puts a lot of it on, but he's a very funny man, very different, like his
sense of humour is hilarious. Like the things he comes out with, it's just, you're forever laughing.
But he's a great guy to play under, like really, really good guy. Like he's got really high
standards that he sort of expects. And you know, if you don't do that, you definitely know about it.
Yeah, definitely told to improve and that sort of thing, which is really good. He keeps everyone
really accountable, but he works just as hard himself. And you know, from other stories of what
past players have said, anything he tries to make you do, you know, he's done it before, like,
you know what I mean? He's done it. He's done it in his time. You know, obviously he's a bit older
now. He can't be like, yeah, that's how hard he used to work. He's a good trainer. And yeah,
I remember when Hugh Jackman had his like Australian tour. So I get a text message from
Des, the first one in a couple of years saying, I might just wouldn't mind a couple of tickets,
you know, to the Sydney show, my wife and I are available on this night. And I'm like, sure,
no problem. So I flicked it to Jaco and Jaco's like, Des, how's that? Does Des want to come?
And I go, yeah, he wants a couple of free. Yeah, no worries. He can have my seats.
Like the love that Jaco has for Manly and that era of Toovey and Hasler and Cliffy Lines and even
going back to Graham Eadie, you know, one of the great Manly number ones, like, yeah, he could not
get those tickets to Des quick enough, but Des apparently has got his first dollar.
That's what I was about to say. Like, obviously Hugh wants to give Des the tickets, but also
shows how much of a tight ass Des is asking for freebies. And obviously that's no secret.
A lot of people know. Yes. What about rugby league for you,
Blokes? Obviously it'd been a huge thing. Any other sports or any other things that you thought
about as you're growing up on what you'd like to do if footy didn't become an opportunity for you?
Oh, we played other sports, but you know, for me it was always, you know, rugby league. I didn't
really have- Because the Swans were there for a while. You were in the Swans Academy.
I was there too. I was about 15, 16, but there were four years played league for,
you know, 12, 13 years before that. And yeah, I was always rugby league and
I always wanted to be a footy player. And I was lucky. I got to do that at a pretty young age.
So if footy didn't work itself out, was there a plan for you to do something else?
Or is there another career path that you like or thought about?
Well, I still, I went to uni because once I'd left school, I was in the 20s. So
we had to study as well. So I'm still at uni doing the same course, which has been a journey.
Just the longest journey of all time.
Oh, isn't it what? Don't get me started on it.
But what course is it?
I'm doing, what am I doing? I don't remember. Commerce,
majoring in finance. So I'm almost done. Should be done in the middle of the next year.
Yeah, seven and a half year.
Three year course.
Oh, it'll be a hike. It'll be a dead set hike. And I can't wait to see the end of it.
I bet. What about you, Jakey?
No, I think it was rugby league was our number one sport. We always wanted to play that. We did
play other sports sort of growing up.
Yeah, you love your cricket.
Love cricket. Any good?
No, no good. Boxing day tests every year.
You and I caught the plane down together one year.
Yeah, it was good.
When you were working triple M, you were going up to the corporate suite.
I was going down the bottom. Yep. No worries.
I hope you're right.
I think it was in business class as well.
Yeah, you were right. I walked through a wave to you.
I was with Kerry O'Keefe. So he's a good company, believe me, on a plane to play.
So cricket you love.
Love cricket. And then a couple of years ago, the manager of the cricket team,
Australian cricket team, is a mad Manly fan. His name's Gavin Dovey. So it was his 100th test
as manager. And I got to go and present a jersey to him for his 100th test in front of the team.
I don't think I've ever been so nervous. Like honestly, I was starstruck looking at the
Sydney Cricket Ground changing rooms. So I couldn't have been more nerve wracking.
Me and Wayne Cousins from Manly, I was just so starstruck. I was just like struggling to
get out words. And then the next day we went back, they invited us. So that was the day before
the test against New Zealand. And then we went back the next day and obviously we're up,
they put us in a nice spot. And we went back in the changing room after a bit more relaxed that
day, which is nice. Yeah, that's great. The players are good. I mean, they're just like you
blokes, right? They're normal people and we put them up on a pedestal, but they're just...
Yeah, I definitely put them on a huge pedestal. And then when I once I got to talk to them,
I had like really good guys. Yeah.
Who did you have a conversation with?
So that, yeah, the next day when we went in the, after the game, so they batted all day. So we,
me and Kazo and Tom, we're talking with Tim Payne and Nathan Lyon. They're just top guys.
Justin Langer, he was a really nice guy too. So that was pretty cool, but definitely
nerve wracking. I was trying not to be like a real fanboy.
Well, I remember the first time that where we got the Aussie goes Barmy thought from,
Jaco and I were at Lords and Ponting had seen Jaco out and about in London and said, why don't
you come to the Saturday of the test match, first test match 2005. So Jaco rings me, I'm up in
Lincolnshire and he goes, mate, I'm going to go to the cricket. But Ricky Ponting said we can go
in the dressing rooms afterwards. So you imagine, you know, just like you're so pumped. So the game
goes on. I think we need four more weeks to win the match. So the boys are already starting to
celebrate. So I go in the sheds and it's a love thong, you know, Jaco's loving them. They're
loving him. They're ringing their wives and getting their wives to speak to Jaco. There was
just like this incredible couple of hours and we both walked out with Maddie Hayden, Grey Nick
Bats. Oh, stop it. We're shadow batting on our way. It was just unreal. So I know what you mean.
What about you, Tom? Love your cricket?
Yeah, love my cricket. I didn't play as much as Jake, never as good as him, but yeah,
love my cricket. We're booked in boxing day test again this year. Couldn't go last year.
Filthy. I'll see you on the way down. See you on the way down, brother. I'll wave to you.
Can we go on you? You want to go in the box? Yeah, we can sort that out. I'm sure we can actually.
Let's talk about the family and the fact that you love your brothers and so forth. You've got Ben
coming through. What about Luke? You know, Luke, I coached, he was an excellent cricketer. He's an
excellent boxer. At some stage, is he going to make a career out of boxing or do you think he's
going to be the one that doesn't play sport professionally? No, he just sort of does that for
training sort of thing. He's had a few little fights, but no, he won't do that professionally.
He just does it for a bit of fun, I think, a bit of training. He's doing really well. He's a
sparky in his last year apprenticeship. He's really enjoying that and he loves that. So he's,
I think he'll just keep going with that and do training and have a few fights every now and
again, but nothing too serious. Yeah. Like all four of you are already lovely kids.
Do you feel for him sometimes that he hasn't got what you guys are doing?
Well, I think he, like, he kind of never really enjoyed playing footy as much as we did. So
don't really think of it in that way. He's very supportive, like loves it as much as us,
like he buys into our team as much as us telling us should get this player, you know, put this guy
here. What's he doing that for? He loves his footy, like very smart to play the game. Yeah,
but he just wasn't into playing it. Like he just sort of, as you got to 15 or whatever,
he just wasn't into it. So it's fine. Like he's not sad or anything. Like it wasn't like he
wanted to do it. He didn't want to push it out, which is fine, but he sort of lives it through
us now and he like, he honestly loves it. Yeah. He's very proud of you guys as the whole family
are in terms of Manly and the, so the area and that sort of stuff. Can you sort of see a new
stadium? Can you see like a, a bit of a starting of a, you know, you guys are going to be top four
team for a little while. Like, do you look that far ahead? Oh, try not to. I hope so. I honestly
hope so. The new stadium is cool. Like that's been talked about for years. I think, you know,
they always talk about developing Brookie obviously needed a bit of work, but it's got,
it's got a lot of character. So we've always loved it how it was, but seeing it get develops,
it's cool. We've driven past it a few times and it's coming on nicely. Seen a few photos. Yeah.
Don't want to look too far ahead. I hope we can continually improve. Like this year was a great
step in the right direction, you know, but we've had a few sort of tough years before that. So
hopefully we can get a lot of confidence. We've got a few younger guys coming through and yeah,
hopefully that can put us in a good stead. That'd be nice. Yeah. Tom, how do you handle groupies?
How do you handle the stardom that ought to come from a year like you've just had?
Oh, I think, you know, I was always taught from a young age about being humble,
being grounded and going back to what mum and dad did for us throughout our childhood. So it's
always just been a part of us. We're not people to get ahead of ourselves and let that get to our
head. So kind of come second nature to us now, I guess. Yeah. And it's natural as well. I spoke
to Freddie Fittler this morning. We trained together. Yeah. And he said to me, say this one
question to Tom, what happens when he throws a forward pass? He punches me in the face.
He said, I just don't understand it. Blake, with all the talent in the world,
throws forward passes all the time. And he said, not just him, all these young kids do that now.
What's the background to it? It's part of the game. Like we're just playing footy and sometimes it
goes a little bit forward. Like we're not trying to do it. We're not doing it on purpose. Like we're
not going to throw it 40 meters backwards and lose our advantage. So this team was first camp,
walked into it and he just punched me in the face twice and I was gone. Remember we'd met with him
like a couple of weeks before, like the first time he took over. So he sort of, this was in 2018.
I remember we had a meeting at Terry Hills with him before he'd picked the team and sort of see
how everyone's going and that sort of thing, things you can improve on. He said to Tom,
mate, I hate how you throw so many forward passes. And I remember we left laughing like,
what's he going on about? Anyway, that week was a channel nine game. So Freddie was obviously
commentating. I think Tom threw like two or three forward passes that game at the ground. He was
filthy. Remember him? Yeah. I remember walking into one of the camps and he just went to say hi to
him and he just went bang. Put one on me. So when he puts you on it, is it a proper? Not hard.
But I was just obviously Brad Fittler. I knew him, but I didn't know him very well. Yeah. And I was
absolutely rattled. But then it kind of came to joke. Four camp, trying to make the other person
a forward pass. So you get a hit from Freddie. There was just one forward pass that you threw,
but it wasn't a forward passing. It was against Para or certainly at Banquet Stadium anyway,
would have won you the game. Oh, yeah. Left to right. Yep. Last year, round four against Para.
We lost by three and that would have won us the game last minute. Yeah. It was a BS call.
That's right. Yeah. They said after it should have been a try, but that's all right. Everyone
makes mistakes. Of course. Take a big deep breath. Didn't think that at the time, but
now I can look back at it. One thing that people have said about you, Jake, is they love the fact
that you're not necessarily go up and bromance after the game. If you've lost the game, you're
like a fan. They're walking out and you're walking off the field dirty. Whereas there was a lot of
love between players at a final whistle and stuff. Is that just a natural thing for you to? Yeah. I
think you just, I don't know, invest so much throughout the week and throughout all the
off season, that sort of thing. You just want to win. It's frustrating when you don't. It's been
probably disappointing. I've probably had a few more losses than I would have liked over my time,
which is disappointing, but yeah, it's hard. I hate, it affects me. I reckon the whole week,
started last year when we lost the first four. I was struggling. It was tough. Honestly, thank
God we turned that around. I don't know. It's just a hard one. I find it hard to get over, dwell on
it a lot, which is something I'm trying to work on to get better with, because you've got to move
on. You've got another game coming up next week, but I do like when people aren't happy with a loss.
You don't want to be happy with a loss. I don't like when people stay out in the field hanging
around, you know? Yeah. You get off and just start preparing for the next week. Well, yeah,
now I'm trying to do that, trying not to dwell on it. You know, sometimes I let it affect me,
affect me mood throughout the week and that sort of thing, which is what are you doing to
try to help yourself? I don't know, just sort of things you got to think of. I think everyone at
Manly has been good and they give you good people to talk to, which is nice. Just think of it. As
I said, you've got a game coming up, which you've got to win. Like obviously filthy about that,
but let's win the next one, make it, make next week good, you know? Yeah. What about you, Tom?
How do wins and losses and draws affect you? Oh, I'm pretty similar, not to the same extent as Jake.
He's definitely one to dwell on it. And it's weird, like I guess you're in an industry where
performance on the weekend is that's what live and breathe on. You know, when you don't play well,
we're our harshest critic. You know, you're hard on yourself and it kind of shapes your week.
So it's got a big effect on it. And like I said, I'm not as bad as Jake, but definitely dwell on
losses and ride the highs of winning. You love winning. So it's like, it's amazing how much a
good win can set up the next week. How much more you enjoy it. Well, you got on a roll,
didn't you? All of you got on a roll there for a while. Like you're just unbeatable.
Lucky, as I said, after the start, I was like, maybe this isn't for me, you know?
I think the first round against the Roosters, I was actually in Earl Evans box from Shaun Partners
and it was score his kick. I mean, even Teddy was taking kicks for goal. Like I was like,
what's going on here? You weren't playing that game, Tom, but sort of fast forward through to
you knocking us out of the comp. Your improvement was insane. Yeah, it was. Yeah. From that,
obviously first four weeks were pretty poor. Everyone knew that. How we're able to turn it
around on the back of that was pretty special. And, you know, a lot of people did a lot of good
things and they deserve a lot of credit for it. Absolutely. So a couple of things for you, Tom,
you've got a new way of preparing your body now to make sure that you're less likely to get injured.
Can you talk us through what that's all about and how you came around to it? Yeah, like we've seen
a lot of good people that are experts in the industry and yeah, it's kind of just, I guess
I'm a very process driven person and was just finding that routine for me to what I needed to
do each week to go out in the field on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday and just not the second guess
myself. Just quickly interrupting the episode to say a very big thank you to the sponsor of
this podcast and that is Shure and Partners Financial Services. Shure and Partners are an
Australian investment and wealth management firm who manage over $28 billion of assets under advice.
With seven offices across Australia, Shure and Partners act for and on behalf of individuals,
institutions, corporates and charities. For more info, you can check out their website at
shureandpartners.com.au. That's S-H-A-W for sure. Shure and Partners Financial Services,
your partners in building and preserving wealth. And let's get back into the episode.
I was with Freddie on a country tour and he had a phone call from Des and I think it was like,
you can have Tom and he was like, yeah, okay. Can you take Tom off? Like if you're winning easily,
can you take Tom off? It was, I heard this going back and forth. No, it was like Freddie was like,
can you just, you know, if you're winning easily, can you? And at Des, he said, no, I think anyway.
But there was a conversation of, can we have whoever prepares Tom for Manly in New South Wales
camp? And I think that was sorted out. Did that happen? That happened. Yeah. First came up in
Townsville with my good mate, Ruben Rosicka. The speed coach does the speed work down at Manly and
done a lot of stuff with him, just around mechanics of running and stuff like that this year
and do a lot of with him in the sheds before the game. So yeah, they flew him up the day of the
game to Townsville and obviously cool to see him up there. Does that give you confidence too,
knowing that, you know, you've got your normal prep? Oh yeah, it definitely helps. Got sprayed too.
Why are you laughing, Jake? I don't know. It's just like Tom got his own bloody
preparation party coming in. Ruben's a good guy. It was actually, it was good to have him up there.
Special treatment for Tom. Yeah, that's it. Yeah, it's good. He used to work at the Roosters,
so the Roosters boys knew him and he knew most of the team there. So it was pretty funny, but
definitely like having someone there that can get you ready for a game definitely helped.
Of course, of course. What's it like being a part of this new Blues team? You know, because there
is, it's been a couple of years now, you've had so much success, just part of Freddie's Blues,
I suppose. You know, what's it like to be part of this? Cause we were hammered for so many years.
It's so cool. Freddie, like he's honestly the best guy. Like he makes it such a good camp,
so enjoyable. Everyone just can't wait to get out there and play well. And he's just such a good guy,
such a good guy to play under and in that environment. And he finds a way to get the
best out of everyone, which is really cool. And you do some different stuff, which like obviously
you come from club land, which is just all week to week. You're real serious and Freddie
lightens things up, gives you some different things to think about, which is cool. Different
way of thinking, which I found really enjoyable. And then, you know, when you're off the field,
you enjoy yourself. But when you're on the field, you train really hard and he's got really high
standards, as you said, punched you in the face for your forward pass. So then it gets the best
out of everyone, which is, it's cool. He's a great guy to play under. What about you, Tom? Yeah,
interesting character. Absolutely love him. You know, I love working under him and yeah,
Jake kind of summed up pretty well. He's a lot of fun. You know, you don't want him coming to
those camps in seven to 10 days to prepare and he makes it as enjoyable as he can. What about
the success of the team and playing so well, but you're a centre for New South Wales where
you're normally a fullback for Manly. You seem to be very relaxed with that, knowing that Teddy's
a pretty good player at one and you just fit in where you need it. Yeah, definitely. We all know
how good Teddy is and what he's done not only for the Roosters, but at your origin level, he's been
exceptional, absolutely exceptional. You know, captain us to the trophy this year, which is pretty
cool and yeah, I'm just happy to play with ever just go out there and put a jersey on and just
play footy and you're playing with some extraordinary people and players and yeah, it's a lot of fun.
Take any jersey to be in that team, you know. Oh, absolutely. Yeah, just to be a part of it.
What about the crowd, the pressure, knowing that millions of people are watching you and stuff like
how do you both handle that? Do you feel it? It's tough. I haven't thought about that too much. I
think what honestly helps during the week is because as I said, I'll get quite anxious,
quite nervous. I'm very nervous for the game, don't get me wrong, but throughout the week,
as I said, we train hard but away from training, we do a lot of like breathing and yoga and all
that stuff I don't normally do and I honestly reckon it helps like thinking about it really
calms you down, calms the nerves, anxiety, all that sort of stuff and just being around someone
like Brad Fittler, who's like that. He's such a legend too, like we grew up loving him, right?
So like relaxing, you enjoy yourself and it's like, okay, I can calm down because I'm quite
serious, you know, just calm down, relax. It's going to be fine. I've got great players around
me. Just chill out, you know. Do your role. Yeah. Did you ever think you were going to play
State of Origin? Oh, definitely not. Definitely not. What about you, Jakey? No way. It's like
your wildest dreams. Like as I said, growing up Rugby League family, we just loved it. Like when
I was on the Wednesday nights, it was just the best day ever, like just waiting for it all day
at school. You just couldn't wait to get home and then you had to wait till 8.30 for it to kick off.
You just wanted it on, you know. It was just, it was the best and get to play it now. It's honestly
so surreal. Like when you're running out there, it's like, this is what I used to dream of just
watching. Now you get to play and like run out in front of a packed stadium. It's pretty cool.
It's so cool. Like when you think about it. It's unbelievable watching it. Like the excitement of
getting on the bus from going along Montevideo road there and then hitting that, you know, that traffic
and then getting to the game and then seeing you use warm up or whatever it might be. It's just,
it's incredible as a fan. So yeah, some of the moments that we've been like lucky enough to have
in the jerseys make it more special. Like I think obviously when Tom Dubu getting to play
together for the blues, like that was so cool down in Melbourne. And then 2019 game three,
the decided there where we had the game under control and Queensland fought back. It was 20
all. I thought this is going to golden point and Teddy scored that try in the last 10 seconds.
You know, like Slate Ferguson along the side of things like that. Just like you look back as like,
I was part of that. It's so cool. Like that's stuff you just sort of remember forever, you know,
special moments, I think. Yeah. Oh, incredible. You've had so much success in terms of your own
careers. Like you've played for Manly, you've played New South Wales, you've played for Australia.
What would that mean if you don't win a premiership? Oh, I'd obviously heard a lot every
time you, you start a pre-season at Manly, you're doing that to win a premiership. And yeah,
that doesn't change you. And you, that's the end goal at club levels. You want to win a premiership
and obviously we're still yet to do that, but lace the boots up again and we'll go again and see what
happens next year. What about you, Jakey? Yeah, luckily I don't like get ahead of myself. I just
just hope we came in one go. So that'd be pretty cool. I guess that's, you look at all players,
I guess, and they talk about if they've won a comp or not, you know, like when they talk about
them, when they've retired and that sort of stuff. So yeah, I don't want to get too far. I just hope,
I just, yeah, really hope one day. It's hard to hate Manly with you two boys around. I tell you,
there's so many people who go, can't hate Manly anymore. Got those Travois pitch boys. There's
another one coming through, you know, that's what they talk about. So boys, you've come from sort of
earning nothing. Now you're doing what you actually want to do. You're both on good contracts and so
forth. And as Jake says, Tom more than me, but I do all the hard work. Hang on. Do you actually
talk about each other's contracts and stuff? Is that something you do? No. Well, we knew like,
obviously we've got the same manager and that sort of thing. And we signed at the same time. So we
know what they are, but like who cares? We're just there to play. So great. We obviously know Tom's
better. So that's just the way it goes. Do they pay more for a full back wing center than they
do? I think you know the answer that goes. A bike like you Jakey that does all the hard work in the
middle. How are you coping money wise? Are you sensible with it? Are you going to be okay?
Yeah, well, we're lucky. As I said, our parents have been such good advisors to us, I guess,
like when we were young, they got us to sort of invest in like buy units and that sort of thing
around, around the Northern beaches, which we've been lucky with and continued, I guess, to grow on
that. And then where in recent years, Shore and Partners, they've come on as a sponsor of Manly,
probably the last four or five years, been good. And Earl and Alan who own here are just really
good guys. And then Dane, he's a really good advisor to us. And they've got us to invest some
money in sort of shares and they've got some commercial property, that sort of stuff. And
they've been really, really good advisors, give us great sort of knowledge of how you do things,
because everyone wants to just put in money and get heaps of money back straight away. But it's
like not about that. It's about, you know, long-term conservative approach, which they've been great,
great sponsors. They're really good guys. They support a lot of great things. Do you pay your
own bills, Jack? Yes. What about you, Tom? Yeah, of course. I pay Jake's bills.
That's how much money he gets us. He's got flat out no idea this, I'm telling you.
No clue. Can't do anything. What's it like for you, though, Tom? Because, you know, you'd look at
your, you know, whatever the salary is, people talk about it, you're reading the paper. I don't
know how true those numbers are, but they're decent numbers. How do you cope with all that?
Yeah, I guess I kind of want the money side of thing. We're very lucky that, you know,
our parents helped us out a lot with that at an early age. And now, you know, we've kind of,
you know, got a down pat with how to deal with it all and manage it all and just, you know,
try and find a way to set you up later in life when, you know, obviously it's not going to be,
the salary's not going to be where it is now. So do you ever just feel like I've just want to
go and buy that? Not really. I'm not a person. It's not a material guy. I'm not like a want to
go buy a nice car or this or that. Obviously would like a nice house one day, but you know,
that's something that I can, when I guess it comes along, need to get one, we can look at it then.
You're both still at home? No, no, not at home. I'm obviously in a unit at Narrabang now.
Okay. Tom Pease at Worrywood. Yeah. Beautiful. And enjoying life as both going out with people,
right? Yep, yep, yep. So, Jakey, what got you over your nervousness to ask girls out? Because I
tried to set you up a few times with friends of mine. I'm still nervous. I think I just needed
to thought to myself, you need to really grow up. Otherwise you just, I don't know, you just need
to really switch on and grow up. I think that just light bulb moment. Yeah. So you've got a
girlfriend now. How was that asking her out? Like, what was that moment like? She asked him out.
Okay. Well, it sort of went like this. So, okay. Let me just, let me try and get this right. So
it was actually my ex teammate. He now plays for the Bulldogs. It's his sister. Okay. So I'd met
her earlier. So I'd met Nona for like a year or two, like while he was playing with us. Then he
moved on and then sort of just worked like that. So it was just sort of. Okay. So it wasn't like
knew each other. It was a little bit of an opening. Yeah. But I was playing with her brother and that
sort of thing. So that wasn't really going to happen at the time, but then sort of as he moved
on, it just worked out and he was fine with it. Obviously not behind his back. And that was, yeah.
Did you have to ask and say, do you mind? I quite like your sister. Yeah. He sort of knew and it was
just sweet. Yeah. Okay. And that's all going well? Yeah. It's good. Beautiful. What about you, Tom?
You've been going out with a girl for a long time too. No, no. Oh, it's about eight or nine
months down. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Local girl. Local girl. Yeah. So just knew her from the area. Okay.
I think. Beautiful. Yeah. What about the Corso? Got to talk to you about the Corso. Corso, Corso.
Yeah. So when people talk to me about the Corso and if people don't know Tom was challenged to a run
late at night, one night and this bloke beat him and made a bit of a, you know, a scene about it.
I'd like to talk now to Tom's mates. So this is just for Tom's mates, a bit of advice coming from
a 53 year old bloke who's got teenage as well. If anyone asks you Tom next time, if you want to have
a run or how fast you are, get your mates to stand up and say, he's really slow. Actually
we can all beat him and walk away. Well, on that note, I was actually, I was out with Brad Parker
and he left me. So if there's anyone to blame for this, for that incident, Brad Parker. Okay.
We'll get stuck in him. I played a game of cricket with him one day. He's a nice bloke. Nice bloke.
He's a horrible cricketer. He wasn't good. No, he wasn't. Yeah. We subbed him out. Absolutely horrible.
No idea about the game. No idea. So why did you do that run? Oh, no, I was just walked out of the
joint and the bloke kept asking me to race him. I'm not racing him. He kept asking and asking,
fine man, I'll race you. Anyway, shouldn't have done it obviously, but I won. I'd like to get my
story outside. I definitely won the race, but that's okay. We'll move on from that. But yeah,
it was obviously a stupid decision. Yeah. And you haven't made many, neither of you have made many
in your life. So the odd one here and there in the end, it didn't scupper too much, but you got
injured, not from that, but everyone gave you a bit of stick. Yeah. Obviously it looks how it looks.
So it is what it is. I understand people are going to try and put two and two together. So I'm not
stupid. I understand that, but yeah, in the end, it wasn't really about that. I just obviously
wasn't happy with the way I looked in that video. It wasn't a fair reflection on the club, you know,
my family, myself. So yeah, it wasn't an ideal time of my life for me, but I think in the end,
it probably put me in the right direction to now be sitting here with you today and looking back on,
I guess, the year ahead. Yeah, exactly right. Talking about social media before we go to the
Fast Five, how do you guys cope with social media? I know you're sort of on it, but not massively
on it. I think Tom's worked out the best strategy. For anyone that doesn't know, tries to reach you
on social media, my little brother, Luke, the one we talked about before actually manages my account.
So he probably won't reply to you. So Luke does all his posts, everything. Tom doesn't even know
what's going on. That's good. Good old Luke. He's got a good strong head on him. I also don't know
what's going on in the world. So it's actually quite refreshing. If anyone's thinking about
trying it, I'd definitely recommend it. Yeah. Well, Freddie spends a lot of time when we do
these school visits to rural areas, talking about exactly that. You know, look, people in the eye
have proper conversations. What about you, Jake? Yeah. I'm not really much into it. Like obviously
Luke doesn't have it, but I have weeks where I say we've had a loss or anything. I'll just delete it.
I just don't even want to read it. People are bagging manly. I'm just like, see ya.
You wouldn't care if they said it to your face, but for some reason it means. I know. I don't
know why. Yeah. It's a good idea to give it the flick. Yeah. Talking about Freddie again in camp,
it's the no phones policy. I like, as you said, proper conversations, no phones. And at first
you're like, oh, it's annoying. I need my phone. But then once you realize it's actually very
refreshing, like I wish I just had my phone to ring people and text. That's all I could do.
Yeah. Couldn't look at other stuff, but obviously I do have it on there and it gets addictive at
times, but that's what that would be the best way. As Tom said, I think it's impossible to have a
proper conversation if you have a mobile phone even around you. Yeah. Cause there'll be a ding,
a buzz or something. And it just takes your focus away. I know. Definitely. Is there a reason you
don't have social media, Tom? Well, kind of started from that incident. Obviously the course.
That one we're talking about. We don't need to go into again, but we won't know. It started there.
Just kind of got off it. I actually deactivated the whole account and then obviously had sponsors
that needed posts and stuff like that. So Luke said he would take over it for me, which is me.
For a small fee? Oh, big fee. It's very expensive. I wouldn't recommend anyone else going with him,
but he just gives himself shout outs on there to get him followers. But anyway,
he can do what he wants. So he started doing it. And then at the start it was pretty hard because
you don't realise how much you rely on something and how much time you spend on something. But
after a couple of weeks of having to look back and got no aspirations to go back on it. So yeah,
just let him keep running it for me. Absolutely. And the habit is broken, right? Over 21 days
without it. So boys, you'd be looked upon, you know, your mum and dad, your brothers,
your whole family, everyone that I've ever met, your good people and stuff. Does that become too
much of a pressure sometimes to always have to sort of step up to that level or step up to a level
where if someone cut you off in the traffic, you can't give them the bird because either Tom
Dravojevic or Jake Dravojevic gave me the bird. Like how hard is that to make sure that you stay
that sort of perfect in inverted commas? I don't think it's too hard. I guess, you know,
sort of times when you got to be like really good when you go to certain things and that's
and it's got to be switched on, like certain events, sponsors, things, all that sort of stuff.
But in like normal everyday life, I'm quite good at even when I'm angry at something,
just don't really even say it. Like I'll just internalise it. I don't know. Maybe I'm scared
to say it to people. Like I'm not really sure. So that's a natural thing. And that comes from
your family as well. Your mum and dad are the same. Yeah. Not really confrontational, to be
honest. Like if I don't agree with something, I tend to not really say it like anyway. So I think
that probably puts you in good stead for being good in the public, I guess.
Yeah, that's good. What about you, Tom? Yeah, it doesn't cost anything to be nice. So
it's just an easier way to live your life. We've always, you know, been brought up like that. And
yeah, I guess we're normal people too. We just go about our days and we're not here to cause
confrontation or just want to live our lives out. Yeah. Yeah. The best lives you can. Fair play.
So boys, where do you see yourself in five or 10 years time? Obviously, you know,
dual premiership winners. I'd be happy if we won. That's a dream. I don't know. It's a scary
thought because I've been playing footy since, you know, since we were young as, but obviously
for manly since in haramats at 15, but professionally since, you know, 1920. So
getting a bit older now. So it's a, it's a scary one to think about. Obviously it's great. We've
got guys like Earl and, you know, Dane and Alan around us who sort of help advise in the right
way to hopefully put you in good stead for after your career. But I haven't thought too much about
what I want to do. Obviously. Were you staying footy maybe? Yeah, obviously loving footy so much.
You'd probably want to do that, but I haven't thought about it or talked to anyone about it.
So I don't really know, but I guess see where it takes us. Hopefully can keep playing for a bit and
just see what happens. Obviously this uni degree that mum made me keep doing is going to send me
to great places because that's what she's told me for the last seven years. So it's going to,
it's going to take me anywhere. I could end up at the moon for I know, but hopefully, hopefully
stay in the game. Love footy. Always growing up with footy. And yeah, I'm, I'm sure, you know,
when my time comes to hang out the boots that I'll still want to be involved in the game in
some capacity. So we'll just see what happens. What about coaching for you guys? Well, watching
Dez and seeing how stressed he gets and how hard he has to work. I'm going to say no.
And even another thing I always think about being a head coach, I would hate having to
sit down with a player and say, you're not required or like your drop this week. Or I
don't think I could do that. Hey, so like that confrontation that I wouldn't deal with that.
Like I think you've got to be a special type of person. They work really hard. Like I don't
envy how hard they have to work and how much pressure they put on. So I'm going to say no
to being a coach. Yeah. I don't know. Maybe, I don't know, coach juniors or something. We'll do
what Orbo does at Roosters. Just float around and do whatever. Yeah, just work. I'll float.
I'm a floater. That sounds like a role for me. Yeah, you're a perfect floater. With the juniors
it'd be nice. Something like development. I'll see kids improve. I reckon that'd be cool. I think
Orbo and Jake Friend at the Roosters are doing that now setting up the academy. Yeah. And they'll
just go and they'll just, because we love them and everyone knows who they are. You just float
around. You turn up at the odd event in the suit and tie and get a free fee and it's all good.
That sounds good to me. Okay, let's do the fast five boys. Your favourite quote. I'm going to go
to my mum here because this is one she always grew up teaching us, but treat people how you want to
be treated. So not a quote, but something that, well it's a quote from Freddie, I guess. Because
as I said, different way of thinking. He's really good. So just to make sure I get it right. I call
the phone out. I can see that. So he's five agreements, right? So he's five agreements and
I can tell you, he definitely lives by them and you know, I think it's good for anyone to try and
live by them. Okay. So integrity of words. So being honest, obviously don't take anything personally.
So that's a big one in footy, I guess. You get criticised a lot. You get, well not criticised,
told how you can improve. Well people give it to you too. Yeah. Take it on the chest and maybe you
can get improved. Coach tell you something, don't think they don't know what they're talking about.
Try and improve. So don't assume. So work hard for your success. Don't assume something's going
to come on. Always do your best. I think that's simple. We always try and do that. You just,
that's all you ask of anyone. It doesn't matter. You win, lose or draw as long as your teammates
give you your best. Perfect. And always listen. That goes back to, I think, to the coaching
side of things in footy. I'm sort of comparing this to, always listen to what people are trying to
say because they're only trying to help you, I guess. Beautiful, Jakey. That's great.
Favourite holiday destination. Well, our family, every sort of Christmas, our nan and pa have a
unit, the Goldie. So we always go up there and that's always, always good times. Always look
forward to that. Probably go the same or once international travel, maybe Bali or something
like that. Happy days. Always a great time over there. Absolutely. What about your favourite book?
Are you readers? Favourite book? I'm not a reader. Can't say rugby league word, Jake.
I just read Aunt Middleton's book, Zero Negativity. Yeah. I'm a shocking reader,
I'll be honest. I get to the end of the, like, I just can't wait to the end of the chapter so
I can stop because I've got to finish the chapter. But I was reading Tiger Woods's book and I got
quite into that. I haven't quite finished it, but I was getting quite into it. It's crazy.
Well, that's one thing we haven't spoken about. Your love of golf.
Yeah. My love of golf has kind of faded away, I think, a little bit. I'm not the same. Yeah,
I used to play all the time, but now I'm into tennis now. I love tennis. Yeah, me too. I play
every Thursday night, mate. Let us know when you want to hear it. Okay. Beautiful. What about you?
Your love of golf? A bit like Tom. Like probably a bit more than Tom like it, but just-
You were going nuts there for a while. Yeah. I had played it heaps, but I don't know. I think
footy, as I said, I just think about footy a lot. That took, especially this year,
took over a lot and I was just, I don't know, even on days off, I was just thinking about football.
Well, whatever you guys are doing, keep doing that. Favorite movie?
Oh, I think we're both going to say the same thing here, but Law Abiding Citizen.
Do like that one. Or I think you've probably heard this from a lot of people. 1994, my birth
year, Shawshank Redemption. Oh yeah. You hear that from everyone. Yeah, that's my favorite movie of
all time as well. And of course your favorite charity, which I'm sure you agree with me.
Favorite charity. The great, the great, the great Gotcha For Life. What a charity.
Fine. I'll give you a bit. Thank you, Tom. And what a charity. Tom, something else that you've
done a few times, which it surprised me because I didn't know you were going to do it, but it
doesn't surprise me because of the type of person you are, but you've given many matches to Gotcha
For Life as well, which has been really lovely sitting back and watching it on the telly and
just hearing you say it when I didn't expect it. It means a lot. Thank you. Oh, no worries. No
worries. I would have done that, but I didn't get man the match because Tom got it.
Yeah. So $10,000 will be going to Gotcha For Life. Thank you boys from Earl and Al,
from Shaw and Partners. So boys, enjoy your off season, enjoy your cricket, of course. See
you down at the boxing day test and have fun looking down on us. Don't worry, Tom. Tom and
Jake, you can come up to the Triple M studio anytime at all. Nice to talk to you boys.
Thanks for having us. Cheers. Well, that was Tom and Jake Trevojvich. What I loved about those
boys was the fact that they are so real and the fact that family means so much to them. I love
the fact that it doesn't matter how big you become, you always listen to your mum.
Coming up next on Not An Overnight Success is one of the most successful and yet grounded rock
stars in the world. It is, of course, Kirk Pangili from INXS. Kirk has seen it all,
from carrying his guitar on a 10k walk home from the school bus stop each day
to playing to some of the biggest crowds in the world. Kirk has an incredibly interesting
perspective on why INXS was able to survive so many hurdles and continue being so popular
and creative with their music. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please share it with someone that
you know. A big thank you to Shaw and Partners Financial Services who have generously supported
this podcast and also donated $10,000 to the charity of choice of each of our guests to thank
them for their time. Shaw and Partners are an Australian investment and wealth management firm
who manage over $28 billion of assets under advice. With seven offices around Australia,
Shaw and Partners act for and on behalf of individuals,
institutions, corporates and charities. For more info, you can check out their website
at shawandpartners.com.au. That's S-H-A-W for Shaw. Shaw and Partners Financial Services,
your partners in building and preserving wealth.