Buzz: The harsh reality facing Cronulla Sharks star Braydon Trindall, points for byes take away real standings

The Bulldogs might be ahead on the ladder, but the Dragons are the most improved team in the competition this season. Check out Buzz’s highlights and lowlights from round 10.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 08: Braydon Trindall of the Sharks during the round one NRL match between New Zealand Warriors and Cronulla Sharks at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart, on March 08, 2024, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

On Saturday night you had to feel for Cronulla Sharks star Braydon Trindall, sitting at home watching his side so impressively dismantle Melbourne Storm.

The hero for the Sharks was Daniel Atkinson, wearing the jersey that was once Trindall’s before his stupidity behind the wheel of a car two weeks ago when he failed alcohol and drug roadside tests.

This could actually help Trindall in his recovery.

He not only faces the full brunt of the law for driving misdemeanours but an uphill battle to get his No.6 jersey back in the first-grade side.

Braydon Trindall is learning a big lesson. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images

This is such an important lesson for any young footballer.

The repercussions of making mistakes for an NRL footballer are greater than for the average man in the street.

In rugby league there is always the risk someone else will take your spot and make the most of the opportunity.

Atkinson was outstanding on Saturday night at AAMI Park, showing remarkable composure for someone playing only his third NRL game and without the steadying influence of Nicho Hynes.

He was so calm in landing the field goal near the end.

Daniel Atkinson played his third NRL game in the Sharks’ win over the Storm. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

He steered the football team like someone who has been playing the game at the highest level for years at a venue where Storm had won 14-straight home games.

It was really special.

No doubt Trindall will be back once he sorts his issues out.

It’s a long season and there will no doubt be injuries and opportunities, maybe sooner rather than later if Hynes is selected, as he should be, for the Blues State of Origin side.

HIGHLIGHT

A magnificent Cronulla Sharks victory over Melbourne Storm. This side doesn’t have as much X-factor as some of the more glamorous clubs but coach Craig Fitzgibbon has them turning up and playing for each other every week. The TAB now has the Sharks at $9 to win the premiership, in from $23 at the beginning of the season.

LOWLIGHT

Wests Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson recently said “we’ve stopped the bleeding” after two-straight wooden spoons. On Saturday they lost their sixth-straight game. They are running 15th on the ladder and have the worst attacking stats in the comp with fewer points scored than both South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Gold Coast Titans.

SAINTS SURGE

The Dragons have now won as many games so far this season as they did all of last year. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Everyone is talking about the Canterbury Bulldogs as the competition’s most improved team yet St George Illawarra under Shane Flanagan have now won five games – the same amount as they won over the entire 2023 season. There is a long way to go but this side is definitely heading in the right direction under the 2016 premiership-winning coach.

TURBO RELIEF

Manly has some slight relief with Tom Trbojevic and his latest hamstring injury. The champion fullback is out for seven weeks but the Sea Eagles have two byes and three State of Origin games in that period. He will miss only a handful of club games.

TABLE FARCE

The NRL premiership ladder should not include two points for a bye. The Canterbury Bulldogs are higher on the ladder than both the Knights and the Dragons who have both won one more game than the Doggies.

TEVITA KO’D

No wonder Tevita Pangai Junior is so keen to come back to rugby league at Melbourne Storm. It seems his boxing career won’t be as lucrative as first hoped. Pangai Junior suffered a 69-second knockout on Saturday night to Kenny Niko in Brisbane. Niko is hardly a world beater – it was his first win in four fights. Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan were both spotted in the crowd.

SHOOSH

Despite interest from South Sydney, expect Angus Crichton to stay at the Sydney Roosters.

He loves the place and would most likely stay for slightly less money.

Angus Crichton will stay at the Roosters. Picture: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

360 VIEW

Catch you on NRL 360 on Fox League at 6.30pm with Braith Anasta, Gorden Tallis and James Graham to discuss all the major issues from round 10.

Originally published as Buzz: The harsh reality facing Cronulla Sharks star Braydon Trindall, points for byes take away real standings