Trindall shows tricks of the trade for Sharks

George Clarke | August 12, 2023

Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon is encouraged by the form of Braydon Trindall after the newly-anointed Sharks five-eighth led their demolition of Gold Coast.

Trindall had been a bit-part player for Cronulla throughout the season but when Matt Moylan’s form nosedived last month, Fitzgibbon handed him the No.6 jersey.

Moylan had been the Sharks’ first-choice five-eighth for the previous 18 months and the decision to drop him was a bold but calculated gamble as Cronulla faced the prospect of missing finals.

While Trindall’s first few weeks as Nicho Hynes’ halves partner weren’t the smoothest of sailing, the 24-year-old showed his class against the Titans.

He enjoyed three try assists against as the Sharks cruised to a 36-6 win at home.

“Obviously those combinations aren’t formed overnight and a lot of training time has gone into that,” Fitzgibbon said.

“It’s a big ask when a young half comes in and they have to find their way quickly.

“I think it’s getting stronger and we’re just got to keep working on getting that right.

“It’s almost like a new spine because we’ve got Connor (Tracey) at fullback.

“So keeping control of the game and having the balance on how we play is the next steps but they looked pretty good tonight.”

Trindall’s form will be critical if Cronulla are to guarantee themselves a top-four finish with a tough run home against North Queensland, Newcastle and Canberra.

It’s hoped winger Ronaldo Mulitalo will be fit to face the Cowboys after struggling in Friday’s win with an ankle injury.

Retiring club great Wade Graham said the Sharks were aware that they needed to enjoy a perfect end to the season in their final three games.

“If we slip up one weekend, the competition is so close it will have big ramifications,” he said.

“The result was the most important thing for us because of the ladder.”