NRL 2024: Sharks playmaker Braydon Trindall fails roadside alcohol and drugs test

A key member of Cronulla’s spine has been dropped for the round 8 clash against Canberra after failing a roadside alcohol and drugs test. The NRL is investigating.

Braydon Trindall charged by police for failing a roadside drugs and alcohol test. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Cronulla have suffered a major blow to their stunning start to the season after playmaker Braydon Trindall failed a roadside alcohol and illicit drugs test.

Trindall will not play this weekend for the ladder-leading Sharks against Canberra on Sunday and the matter is under investigation with the NRL Integrity unit.

He is facing a court appearance in May after being charged by police for recording a mid-range blood alcohol reading.

Trindall is waiting for a secondary test result to ascertain the level of illicit drugs in his system.

Trindall had been celebrating Cronulla’s win over the Cowboys at the apartment of teammate Toby Rudolf on Sunday night and continued the celebrations elsewhere after midnight.

Adding to the five-eighth’s woe is that he was charged while holding an expired licence.

This masthead understands Trindall reported the matter to Sharks management and the NRL Integrity Unit on Monday morning.

He has been replaced by Daniel Atkinson for the game against the Raiders.

The club released a statement on Tuesday.

Daniel Atkinson comes into the starting side in Trindall’s absence. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

“The club has since followed the appropriate protocols within the player’s contract and CBA and continues to work with the NRL integrity unit, with the Ccub, player and his management agreeing it is in Braydon’s best interest to not participate in games or to train for the short term, most importantly to attend to his welfare and health issues,” the Sharks said.

“The Sharks treat these issues extremely seriously, however they are providing Trindall with the necessary welfare support.”

The incident has resulted in Atkinson being promoted into halves alongside Hynes.

The little-known 23-year-old was originally scouted from Brisbane by the Storm where he made his NRL debut in 2021.

The Italian international moved to the Sharks in 2023.

An elusive ballrunner with a strong kick, Atkinson will be asked to help maintain the Sharks form through a challenging month of football that includes clashes against the Raiders, Dragons, Storm, Roosters and Panthers.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Sharks playmaker Braydon Trindall fails roadside alcohol and drugs test