When the elimination final against the North Queensland Cowboys arrived, the five‑eighth returned with a heavily strapped shoulder. Although he looked uncomfortable, his defensive work remained solid throughout the contest.

Trindall’s kicking game put constant pressure on the Cowboys’ back‑three, prompting fullback Scott Drinkwater to drop two kicks; one of those errors directly led to a first‑half try for Cronulla. Later, his 31st assist of the season set up fullback Will Kennedy for the decisive try that sealed the 26‑16 win.

The victory propels the Sharks into the second week of the NRL finals, where they will meet the loser of the Panthers‑Roosters qualifying final, keeping their finals hopes alive.

Trindall’s gritty return demonstrates how a single player’s resilience can swing a high‑stakes match and keep a team’s championship dream on track.