Why Trindall is the man to deliver the Sharks a premiership

Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon has identified Braydon Trindall has the player to elevate the Sharks to a grand final as the side seek to go one better than 2025.

The Sharks have been finals regulars since Fitzgibbon took over in 2022, but have been criticised for their inability to convert good form during the regular season into finals successes, falling short in the preliminary final in the past two years.

Entering his third season as Cronulla’s first-choice halves partner, Trindall impressed in the All Stars clash and, with a largely unchanged side, the Sharks are optimistic, with Trindall taking the next step, this year is the year the group breaks its grand final hoodoo.

“Ultimately, when you're in a team game… when it gets right down to the nitty gritty and the high level moments, you want your playmakers to take over,” Fitzgibbon told SEN 1170 Mornings.

“Tricky's (Trindall) had a couple of decent seasons now and showed snippets of what he's capable of so we're really excited, particularly about his pre-season, to be honest.

“He's come back in the best shape he's been in, and, and him (sic) and Nicho are now a couple of seasons in of playing alongside of each other.

“We're really excited about what Tricky could deliver this year.”

2026 marks the tenth season since the Sharks won their inaugural premiership.

15 of the Sharks’ top 30 is off contract at season’s end, meaning this is likely the last chance for the long-term core of the Sharks’ squad to win a premiership at the club.

SEN’s Andrew Voss believes that if that is to happen, Trindall must improve, with the veteran commentator calling for Trindall to improve in 2026.

“I don't know whether Kennedy's getting hugely better for the rest of his career, that's with respect. Nicho Hynes, I think we’ve seen the best, Trindall is the player who I think has scope for getting better,” Voss told SEN 1170 Mornings.

“Trindall to me is the player who most has to get better, improve, take ownership… for Cronulla to go from regular finalist to actual grand final contender.

“I'm throwing heat on him.”

The Sharks begin their season against the Titans on March 7.