NRL makes call on terminating Braydon Trindall's contract as new details comes to light

Braydon Trindall and the Cronulla Sharks' season has been thrown into limbo after the Sharks playmaker allegedly failed roadside tests for illicit drugs and alcohol while driving on an expired licence. Trindall was on Tuesday stood down by the Sharks from all NRL duties and faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines, following the alleged incident on Monday morning.

Trindall was reportedly celebrating the ladder-leading Sharks' thumping victory over North Queensland with a number of teammates at veteran forward Toby Rudolf's apartment on Sunday evening. Cronulla's players were also celebrating Braden Hamlin-Uele’s 100th NRL game and rookie Sam Stonestreet’s debut in first grade - which included a try against the Cowboys.

It's understood the festivities wrapped up around midnight when Trindall went out with another group of friends - none of whom were Sharks teammates according to the 24-year-old. He was then stopped for a random breath test in the Sydney suburb of Caringbah at around 9.45am on Monday morning while on his way to a mandatory Sharks recovery session.

Police will allege Trindall returned a breath analysis reading of 0.124 - more than twice the legal limit - on arrival at Miranda Police Station. He also allegedly returned a positive result to an illicit substance, understood to be cocaine, and was issued an infringement notice for driving with an expired licence.

Cronulla Sharks confirm news around Braydon Trindall

Trindall is currently awaiting the results of a secondary sample of his drug test. The Sharks immediately informed the NRL integrity unit of the situation and released a statement confirming that he had been stood down from club duties.

“Sharks NRL squad member Braydon Trindall failed initial roadside alcohol and illicit drug tests early on Monday morning,” the Sharks statement said. “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 club, player and his management agreeing it is in Braydon’s best interest to not participate in games or to train for the short term, and more importantly to attend to his welfare and health issues.

“Trindall reported the result of the roadside tests immediately to Sharks management, who in turn informed the NRL integrity unit. The matter has been referred for a court appearance in May where Trindall will face the allegations and charges levelled against him, noting that a secondary sample of the illicit drug test is yet to be confirmed.”

NRL not considering terminating Braydon Trindall's contract

Considering Trindall's appearance at Sutherland Local Court is scheduled for May 17, he looks set to miss at least four games in the NRL, given the Sharks' round 11 clash against the Roosters is the next day. At this stage, the NRL will not consider terminating Trindall's contract over the incident.

However, the NRL will consider the speed of Trindall and Cronulla's response to the alleged incident as it determines any potential ban for the star, which could include time served during his ongoing absence from the club. Trindall took no part in Cronulla club duties on Tuesday was not present for veteran teammate Dale Finucane's press conference to announce his retirement on concussion grounds.

RELATED:

• Ezra Mam's admission about Latrell Mitchell as NRL star breaks silence

• Cameron Smith responds amid rumours around Storm star and wife

• Staggering detail about wife as NRL world saddened by Dale Finucane news

The Trindall news has certainly taken some of the spotlight off Finucane's retirement and could have major ramifications for the Sharks, who have started the season strongly and sit on the top of the ladder. Trindall has struck up a solid halves combination with Nicho Hynes, but his enforced absence means Daniel Atkinson has been thrust into the halves to face Canberra on Sunday, in what is just his third game in the NRL.

with AAP