Trindall ready to spark Sharks in high-stakes comeback
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Sharks captain Blayke Brailey is confident Braydon Trindall's return from a shoulder injury will unlock halfback Nicho Hynes as Cronulla look to kickstart their finals campaign.
Trindall is set to be named on Tuesday afternoon in the Sharks squad for Saturday's sudden-death clash with the Cowboys at Allianz Stadium.
The comeback comes just four weeks after the five-eighth dislocated his shoulder in a Round 24 loss to the Raiders, with Cronulla winning just one of three games without Trindall.
Trindall dislocates shoulder while scoring try
Despite missing the last month of the season, Trindall still finished the year as the NRL's try-assist leader, with a club record 30 try assists, and Brailey backed the playmaker to make an instant impact on Saturday night.
"It's a massive in for us," Brailey said. "He's a great player. Everyone can see how good he is for our side. He brings so much calmness and joy to our game, not only with the ball but without it too.
"He's massive for us, he's looking fit and healthy and I'm keen to see him run out there again."
Match: Sharks v Cowboys
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Sharks
5th Position
away Team
Cowboys
8th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Trindall and Hynes have developed a unique combination over the past few years, the pair's contrasting styles complementing each other nicely on the field.
While Hynes largely orchestrates the team's attack and steers the side around the park, Trindall takes charge in the attacking 20-metre zone to create opportunities for the Sharks outside backs.
Trindall's short kicking game is also among the best in the business and Cronulla have used it to lethal effect this season.
The halves partnership has played a key role in the Sharks' emergence as a perennial finals contender, but the challenge now is to turn a top-eight finish into a premiership.
Tricky in everything
"Their partnership is huge for us," Brailey said. "They kick really well, if one's running, the other will steer the team around. They're both sevens in their own right and they both can produce great plays for our side.
"They calm each other really well. They both drive the team, steer the direction of where we're going and off the field they're so close. Tricky's return will bring out the best in all of us, not just Nicho but the whole side."
Trindall will need to hit the ground running if the Sharks are to keep their season alive with a victory over the Cowboys.
North Queensland prevailed in a high-scoring affair when the two sides faced off in Round 8 and the recent return of halfback Tom Dearden has helped lift the Cowboys to another level.
Kennedy and Trindall win it with two massive plays
While Trindall's attacking impact attracts much of the attention, his teammates feel the playmaker's defence often flies under the radar.
That, according to prop Addin Fonua-Blake, will prove crucial on Saturday night.
"It's no secret how big a part he plays for us," Fonua-Blake said. "Him and Nicho complement each other so well. If we're going to do anything special in this competition, we're going to need them both for this end of the season.
"Those two can do things in a game you can't coach, that's what makes them great. When you're defending your line, you get the ball back and they can kick a 40-20.
"Then seeing the way they fight in defence, it's a good feeling seeing your halves putting their bodies on the line like that."
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