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Live sport on SN this weekendFullback still No. 1 choice for breakout Manly star
Scott Bailey, AAP • September 4th, 2026 12:14 pm
It has been a breakout season for the Sea Eagles' Clayton Faulalo, who has shown his versatility | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
Clayton Faulalo wants to be like a sponge and shadow Tom Trbojevic, with fullback still the breakout Manly star's preferred long-term position.
Faulalo's development has been one of the highlights for Manly this season, going from a fill-in player at centre or wing to close to their best in multiple roles.
The 27-year-old will start at five-eighth again against the Warriors on Saturday, having impressed in two games at No. 6 against Newcastle and St George Illawarra.
Clayton Faulalo has been a valuable try-scorer for Manly this season | Photo: Jono Searle/AAP
That came after the Samoan international started five games at fullback, scoring four tries and setting up another while filling in for Trbojevic.
The Sea Eagles remain open to what role he plays next season, with centre looking the most natural fit given Reuben Garrick's impending departure.
Faulalo does view that role as slightly different to fullback and five-eighth, where his passing game has stood out this season, but he is happy to slot in anywhere next year.
"I enjoy playing fullback, just with the free flow of footy," Faulalo told AAP when asked of his preferred position.
Brilliant passing has been one of the keys to Clayton Faulalo's excellent season for Manly | Photo: Darren Pateman/AAP
"You can pop up wherever you want, kick returns and the staggered line. I enjoy that.
"But with Turbo at the back now, he is one of the best fullbacks in the world, so I am happy to bide my time and learn as much as I can off him."
Faulalo is in no rush to make a full-time move to the back, with Kieran Foran having made clear the No. 1 jersey is Trbojevic's as long as he stays at Manly.
But that does give Faulalo the chance to learn from one of the best.
Clayton Faulalo wants to learn as much as he can from Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic | Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP
"I just want to be a sponge to Turbo," Faulalo said.
"He is one of the smartest blokes in the game. He knows the game inside out, so I'm just soaking up like a sponge from him."
Faulalo did play five-eighth as a youngster, before moving to fullback, where he felt he could play more free-flowing football.
Manly have decisions to make in their halves, with Faulalo impressing, Joey Walsh and Onitoni Large coming through, and Luke Brooks and Jamal Fogarty the experienced pair.
Faulalo set up three tries in the No. 6 jersey last week, with Manly having scored 44 points against both the Knights and Dragons, with Faulalo the five-eighth and Trbojevic fullback
Manly coach Kieran Foran says the fullback position is Tom Trbojevic's as long as he wants it | Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP
The versatile Faulalo believes having Trbojevic at fullback has helped, with the two playing a hybrid role in attacking sets and able to both act as a No. 1 and No. 6.
"I can just go out the back and sweep as a fullback and pop up as a half, and vice versa with Turbo too," Faulalo saud.
"He's the player to be able to do that with too."
