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Trindall: Why the Sharks halves combination is the best it's been
Jasper Bruce, AAP • March 9th, 2026 2:06 pm
Braydon Trindall was central to the Sharks big win in round one | Photo: Steven Markham/AAP
Cronulla five-eighth Braydon Trindall feels his much-discussed halves combination with Nicho Hynes is better than ever following the pair's masterclass to begin the NRL season.
Trindall returned to pre-season in excellent shape and hit the ground running with two tries and four assists in the Sharks' 50-10 round-one thrashing of Gold Coast on Saturday.
"I came back in probably the best shape that I've ever come back to a pre-season in. I think that's why I'm as fit as I am," said Trindall, the NRL's stand-out player in round one.
Perhaps most pleasing was the five-eighth's chemistry with halfback Hynes.
It's been an impressive start to the season for Hynes and the Sharks | Photo: Steven Markham/AAP
Hynes and Trindall's ability to strike the right play-making balance looms as a major piece in the puzzle as the back-to-back preliminary finalists aim to take the next step in 2026.
After long speculation whether million-dollar man Hynes could orchestrate a run to the Sharks' second premiership, it was clear on Saturday the team shines brightest when Trindall takes charge.
Trindall played both sides of the field and put up 14 kicks to Hynes' two, with the five-eighth's boot leading directly to three of Cronulla's nine tries.
As Trindall took on the bulk of kicking work, Hynes' excellent running game was unlocked and he registered 101m and scored twice.
At full-time, coach Craig Fitzgibbon said the blueprint around the Sharks halves combination had always been thus, but that the duo were now hitting their stride.
"It's probably the best it's ever felt with Nicho," Trindall agreed.
"We do work hard at it behind closed doors and our training, even off the field when we catch up. We try to stay as connected as we can and it comes out on the field."
Trindall said it was a "good feeling" to put his halves partner over for his first try with a short ball late in the first half.
"You look at a defence and what they're doing as an edge and you're trying to come up with plays to combat that. It was a bit of a call on the run but worked out" Trindall said.
The pair's combination is set for a greater test on Saturday as the Sharks face Penrith, who held reigning premiers Brisbane scoreless in their round-one win.
The Sharks have lost nine of their past 10 games against the Panthers, with their only victory in that time coming by a field goal against a State of Origin-affected side in 2021.
But Cronulla will need to match it with the big guns if they are to become the real deal in 2026.
"It's a massive factor in motivating this playing group," Trindall said.
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