Darrell ‘Tricky’ Trindall: Former South Sydney Rabbitohs, Canterbury Bulldogs player charged with domestic violence

Former NRL halfback Darrell ‘Tricky’ Trindall has made a desperate bid for bail on domestic violence allegations, as the court heard of his downward spiral following his rugby league career.

A former NRL halfback, who racked up 171 games for the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs, is making a desperate bid for bail after his continual run-ins with the law were laid bare in court.

Darrell ‘Tricky’ Trindall, now aged 50, was arrested on March 7 and faces four charges relating to allegations of domestic violence and driving a motor vehicle while his license is suspended.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges: one count of driving a motor vehicle while licence suspended, two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, one count of stalk/intimidate intending to fear physical harm (domestic) and one count of common assault.

The Supreme Court on Friday heard tragic details of the downward spiral Trindall entered after his professional rugby league career ended in 2003.

The court heard Trindall first faced criminal charges that same year and was convicted of assault and mid-range drink driving.

Darren Trindall laying a tackle for the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2001. Picture: Mark Evans.

He has also been before the courts for domestic violence related matters in 2009, where he was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and received a three year bond. He was also convicted of domestic violence related assault in 2013 and 2016.

For a period, Trindall was employed at Woolworths but an injury he suffered at work in 2017 has left him on workers compensation ever since, the court heard.

Trindall leaving Waverley Local Court in 2009.

Trindall leaving court after pleading guilty to an assault charge in 2003. Picture: Noel kessel.

Trindall’s defence lawyer, Mr David Ryan, told the court his clients most recent relapse into drug addiction, mainly meth but also alcohol, occurred when his mother passed away in July 2020. In the two years leading up to her death, Trindall was her primary carer.

Trindall is now remanded in custody after breaking a 12-month community corrections order he received at Gosford Local Court, where the conditions included addressing his drug and alcohol problems, the court heard.

At Trindall’s bail hearing, Mr Ryan said the former footy player is in a new relationship with a woman he had known for more than 25 years.

“She is someone who is not involved in the drug world and is employed by the Department of Education as a primary school teacher,” he said.

“She is certainly under no illusions about (Trindall’s) history … and should he relapse, she would be prepared to report it immediately.”

Mr Ryan said his client would reside with this new partner, who is “not coming into this relationship blindfolded as it were”, if he were granted bail.

The court also heard Trindall’s new partner lives with her nephew James Roberts, who is also a professional NRL player for the West Tigers.

Justice Mark Ierace SC stood the bail application down until July 25 to determine whether further restrictions could allow Trindall to be granted bail.