Brailey full of praise ahead of Tricky's 100th

Cronulla five-eighth Braydon Trindall will chalk up his 100th NRL appearance this weekend, a reward for a career built on patience, growth and persistence.

The Sharks playmaker said he would take time to reflect on the milestone after the match, with family set to play a central role in the occasion.

“I think after the game, when all the families are around, I’ll have a moment to sit and reflect and talk about it with them. But yeah, it’s very exciting times,” Trindall said.

Trindall’s journey to 100 games has been anything but instant, emerging through the grades before establishing himself as a key figure in Cronulla’s spine.

“Yeah, I feel like I’ve grown up a fair bit… it’s been a work in progress,” he said. “It’s great to get 100 games… but I’m looking to play plenty more after.”

Now 26, Trindall has developed into a composed organiser, with his game management and decision-making improving significantly in recent seasons.

“I feel like you learn to be on the field and pick your moments a bit better, control the team… I think that’s definitely played a massive part in my game,” he said.

“As you get older and more experienced, you definitely learn to work the field a bit more.” When I first came in, you just wanted to go for the big plays and make something out of nothing,” he said. “But as you get older, you learn to relax a bit and pick your moments a bit more.”

Trindall said he was proud of his development, both on and off the field.

“Yeah, very proud. I think my family will be proud as well and that’s what I care about most,” he said.

Sharks captain Blayke Brailey, who has shared much of that journey through the grades, said the milestone reflected Trindall’s dedication.

“Just to see his growth and progression throughout the levels, it’s great to see,” Brailey said.

“He’s a competitor. If it’s training, cards or ping pong, he wants to win. That’s the type of person you want at your club.”

Brailey said Trindall’s control and composure had become defining traits of his game.

“At the moment, just his maturity and the way he’s controlling games is what I’m loving to see,” he said.

He also pointed to his teammate’s growth as a leader.

“His leadership has come leaps and bounds,” Brailey said. “When he talks, everyone listens. That’s a credit to the work he’s put in and it’s paying off.”

Trindall will bring up the milestone as a central figure in Cronulla’s attack, with the Sharks hoping to mark the occasion with a strong performance.