The Cronulla Sharks' premiership credentials have taken a massive blow after star five-eighth Braydon Trindall left the field with a suspected shoulder dislocation against the Canberra Raiders at home.
The Sharks got off to a flying start with Trindall kicking into the in-goal within the first five minutes, and slamming the ball down to score off his own grubber while injuring himself in the process.
Trindall immediately looked in discomfort and was quickly escorted off the field, where Fox League's Lara Pitt revealed the Sharks medical team was easily able to place the five-eighth's shoulder back in, but that he will take no part for the rest of the game.
It is a massive hit to the Sharks, who direct most of their attack through Trindall as the chief playmaker of the side, while halfback Nicho Hynes acts more like a traditional five-eighth.
An injury return timeline won't be set for Trindall until he is sent for scans, but given his shoulder was easily able to be popped back in-place suggests little-to-no structural damage, meaning he may not require surgery immediately.
Trindall leads the competition in the try-assists tally this season, recording 30 assists in 20 matches, making it a huge blow for the Sharks, who are searching for a top four spot in September and their first premiership in 10 years.
The Sharks have Niwhai Puru in halves depth to slot into the starting side if Trindall requires time on the sidelines.
The NRL Physio has provided a potential return timeline for Trindall's injury, which includes a 3-6 week rehabilitation period if there is no structural damage and positive joint stability.
Whereas if there is significant damage to the joint and is unstable, he will require a shoulder reconstruction which sits at a 3-5 month recovery.
Risk of re-injury emerges for Trindall if he doesn't opt for surgery, similar to what Tigers' Taylan May has had to endure with three separate shoulder injuries in 2026 before being ruled out for the year with surgery.
