Braydon Trindall admits he’s happy to “take a bit of pressure off” Nicho Hynes as the Cronulla stars begin to click as a halves pairing.
It’s been a solid start to the year for the Sharks, who have won two games and went down in a nail-biter against reigning premiers Penrith in the Las Vegas opener.
Trindall has taken over a lot more of the general-play kicking and game management from Hynes, despite the latter wearing the No.7 on his back each week.
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When quizzed about whether he believes it should be the other way around, Trindall gave a blunt response that shows the mindset in the Shire.
Braydon Trindall has starred for the Sharks early in the season. Getty
“Nah, I’m happy with that number,” the five-eighth said.
“It doesn’t really make a difference, we just get out there and play footy.
“I take a bit of pressure off Nicho with the kicking duties.
“If people want to put a name on it like that, then so be it.”
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Trindall’s performances have already had an impact on Hynes, who has appeared more confident in the opening rounds of the season, especially with his running game.
The former Dally M Medal winner has been popping up on both sides of the field, playing a more natural second-receiver role that many smart judges believe suits Hynes.
Nicho Hynes during the round three win over South Sydney. Getty
But according to Trindall, there hadn’t been any direct conversation around it.
“We didn’t really sit down and talk about it too much,” Trindall said.
“I had a bit of a disrupted pre-season with my shoulder, but then we got back and started putting the work together.
“It’s a bit of instinct as well, both like to play around on the footy field and shift to different sides.”
Trindall’s form towards the back-end of last season and the beginning of 2025 has put him on the map, earning a fresh deal at Cronulla despite interest from rival clubs.
What few could have expected though were Billy Slater’s comments last weekend, where he admitted playing State of Origin football could be in Trindall’s future.
“It’s pretty cool to have him [Slater] talk about it like that,” the 25-year-old said.
“All I’ve got to do is focus on my footy here and if things like that come, they come.
“It’s definitely a goal of mine, but I can’t do much about it other than play some good footy here at the Sharks.”
Despite being born in the NSW town of Wee Wa, Trindall moved up north at a young age and says that “it’s always Maroons” when Origin time comes around.
