NRL 2024: Braydon Trindall set to play for Cronulla Sharks in Magic Round after court loophole

A delay in vital evidence related to Braydon Trindall’s court hearing has opened the door for the Cronulla Sharks star to make a shock NRL comeback this weekend.

A delay in vital evidence has opened the door for Braydon Trindall to make a shock NRL comeback. Picture: Getty Images

A delay in vital evidence related to Braydon Trindall’s court hearing has opened the door for the Sharks five-eighth’s potential NRL comeback this weekend.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Trindall is set to be included in the Sharks 22-man squad to face the Roosters at Magic Round in Brisbane on Saturday night.

The development has emerged ahead of Trindall’s intended Sutherland Court hearing, this Friday, May 17, after he allegedly failed roadside illicit drugs and alcohol tests last month.

It can be revealed the hearing is headed towards being adjourned with Trindall’s legal team yet to receive the secondary illicit drug sample from NSW police, which was sent for laboratory analysis at the time of the charges being laid.

Without the sample, the hearing is unlikely to proceed. It’s possible that any new hearing date could be a number of weeks away.

Under the RLPA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NRL, Trindall has been allowed to continue playing with the NRL stepping in with any potential sanction once the determination of the court hearing is made.

A delay in vital evidence has opened the door for Braydon Trindall to make a shock NRL comeback. Picture: Getty Images

As such, the NRL have played no role in pressuring the Sharks or Trindall to step away from the game.

Trindall hasn’t played since round seven – three weeks ago – after agreeing with the Sharks to step down from playing, with a focus on undergoing immediate counselling.

The talented half is acutely aware his career is at a crossroads and has been upfront with his club that he needs to change his social habits in order to fulfil his potential as an NRL player.

Trindall returned to training two weeks ago with the Sharks keeping the NRL informed of his every step.

Trindall’s potential availability against the Roosters will provide the Sharks with cover in the halves should star halfback Nicho Hynes fail to overcome a calf injury.

Hynes was kept to light training, including walking, passing and kicking, at training on Tuesday.

Back-up half Daniel Atkinson, man of the match against the Storm, trained in the starting halfback position alongside Trindall.

“Braydon has pleased us with his commitment towards addressing his personal matters,’’ Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta said.

“He’s been training with the squad in recent weeks and will be more than ready to play, if required.

“It’s been a challenging period for Braydon but he now sees an opportunity to give back to the club with his performances both on and off the field.’’

Originally published as NRL 2024: Braydon Trindall set to play for Cronulla Sharks in Magic Round after court loophole