The Sea Eagles were able to breathe a sigh of relief on Saturday morning with Luke Brooks not charged for a dangerous throw on Canterbury's Jacob Preston.
Had Brooks copped a grade-two charge, his dream of ending a 12-season wait to play finals would have been in tatters with a three-match ban looming.
But still, bigger concerns remain.
Winger Jason Saab suffered a syndesmosis injury after a Bronson Xerri hip-drop tackle and could face an extended period out.
Officials are hopeful scans on Saturday will only show damage to Trbojevic's AC joint, after Brooks fell on him during a second-half tackle.
If that is the case the Sea Eagles believe the 27-year-old will be fine to play in the finals after taking a pain-killing injection.
"As a teammate, it's definitely hard to watch (him get hurt)," Daly Cherry-Evans said.
"But just knowing the determination and desire he will have to get back soon, I know it's going to be alright for him.
"We know what Tom will be like, he is just going to get back into his work and be back as soon as possible for us."
Tom Trbojevic continued his stellar form before his injury, scoring Manly's second try. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)
Brooks said he immediately felt horrible when he saw a stricken Trbojevic, after the two collided while trying to tackle Preston.
"You obviously think the worst," Brooks said.
"I felt bad. I looked up at the screen (inside the ground) and thought, 'shit, is that me?'. Hopefully he's alright."
Trbojevic has been playing his best football since his Dally M year of 2021, scoring 10 tries and setting up 11 in his past seven games.
He is now expected to miss next week's clash with Cronulla, with Manly needing a win to claim a home final.
Manly have options at the back.
Lehi Hopoate was the preferred man to deputise there earlier this year and has starred wherever he has played this year.
Tolu Koula is another option, having impressed at fullback.
"Whoever gets picked will step up," Brooks said.
"I reckon Lehi's a good chance (for rookie of the year). He's scored that many tries and he's a great finisher.
"He reminds me a lot of his brother, Will. I remember when he first came in, he was playing on the wing for Manly and he was doing the same sort of things.
"He's only slight, but he must be hard to tackle because he always tends to make a lot of metres. I think he's a good shot at rookie of the year."
Meanwhile Brooks admitted he briefly feared for his own immediate future and chance to at last play finals football following his dangerous throw on Preston.
"(The heart was racing) a little bit, but I don't think it was that bad," Brooks said.
"I ended up lifting but I pulled out and I feel like he ducked his head as well."
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