Monday Buzz: Braydon Trindall opens up on positive roadside drugs test, gambling room ban, Cronulla Sharks support

Braydon Trindall’s career defining game against the Cowboys can be linked to a massive mid-season wake-up call. The Sharks halfback speaks to Phil Rothfield about the moment he turned his career, and life, around.

Braydon Trindall scores a beauty against the Cowboys. Picture: NRL Photos/Louis Bockos

Braydon Trindall has always been a good footballer. Last Friday night he played like a great one.

You can put it down to a massive mid-season wake-up call, some life-changing decisions that needed to be made to save his rugby league career – and the debt he says he owes the Cronulla Sharks.

Last April on his way to training on a Monday morning, Trindall was stopped by police and recorded a mid-range alcohol reading of 0.125 as well as a positive test for an illicit substance.

“It actually played on the back of my mind that it could be the end of me,” he says.

“Now it’s about repaying the club for the trust and the help they gave me.”

Trindall had an absolute blinder opposite Maroons Origin superstar Tom Dearden on Friday night to help the Sharks break a seven-game finals hoodoo with a victory over the Cowboys.

He was so dominant that rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns said his performance was close to a perfect 10.

‘Tricky’ Trindall puts it down to lifestyle changes and better off-field choices.

Like banning himself from hotel gaming rooms and making a decision to stop hanging around with the wrong people.

Unlike others, Trindall took ownership of his indiscretion. No excuses, no denials.

“It was a bad mistake and I had to take it on the chin, work on improving myself and come back a better person and better player,” he said. “Then it was earning the trust back from every person at our club.

“What happened was a massive wake-up call.

“I gave up drinking for a little while. I had to avoid certain situations and be in the right environment.

“I’ve narrowed down my circle of people I mix with. I’m with people now who want the best for me.”

Braydon Trindall scores a beauty against the Cowboys. Picture: NRL Photos/Louis Bockos

Trindall is reluctant to talk about the gaming-room ban.

“I just decided to knock it all on the head,” he said. “It’s all part of getting my life sorted as a professional athlete.

“I excluded myself from the Caringbah Hotel and that covers the rest of the state. Again, it’s about being a smarter and better person.”

Trindall could not be more grateful for the support from the Sharks.

From chairman Steve Mace and coach Craig Fitzgibbon to the entire playing group.

“When it happened, the club said they’d back me but I had to agree to make changes,” he said.

“They were the best support network, although at first there were some tough conversations with Steve Mace, Fitzy, Dino (Mezzatesta) and Moons (Darren Mooney head of football).”

Trindall’s performance against the Cowboys was as good as any you’ll see.

He scored two tries, set up one for Cameron McInnes, ran for 106m and kicked beautifully. It took enormous pressure off superstar Nicho Hynes.

Trindall has been resolute in his support for Hynes amid the media pile-on over his form.

It’s all about returning a favour.

“Nicho was there with me the whole way when I was in trouble,” Trindall said.

“So while he’s been copping stick I’ve been there for him. He’s a great guy and a great player.”

On Saturday night the pair will face the best in the business – three-time premiership winners Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai – in a crunch halves battle.

“I’m confident and excited for the contest and the challenge,” Trindall says. “Everyone knows they’re great players.

“That’s why we play footy, to play against the best in the biggest games of the year.”

Braydon Trindall (R) and Nicho Hynes (C) have stuck up for each other in times of need this season. Picture: Supplied

We wind up the interview with questions around his future at the Sharks. No doubt, after Friday night, the interest has grown from rival clubs he can talk to from November 1.

He plays a straight bat.

“Any contract talk is on hold,” he says. “It’s all about playing good footy next weekend.

“I feel a sense of loyalty to the Sharks for how they stood by me.

“I definitely want to stay. I don’t see myself anywhere else but footy is a business at the end of the day so I’ll leave it to my manager and the club when the time is right.

“I just want to play footy.”