A late Cowboys resurgence was not enough to dim the brilliance of Braydon Trindall as the Sharks book their spot in the grand final qualifier.
The 26-18 victory marks the end of the Sharks horror finals run since 2018 and the first September football triumph with Craig Fitzgibbon at the helm.
But it was Trindall who was the unlikely hero for the side, recording two tries, one try assist and a linebreak.
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The playmaker ignited the Sharks early onslaught with a penalty try as he was pulled to the turf without the ball by an incoming Reuben Cotter.
The surprising decision was backed up by a steaming Cameron McInnes try, which was produced by the brilliance of a Ronaldo Mulitalo and Trindall partnership.
Trindall and Mulitalo followed the effort to close the half with a 24-point lead over the interstate visitors.
“What a try – outstanding from Trindall in the corner,” Peter Psaltis said on Nine.
Valentine Holmes halted the Sharks onslaught in the opening minutes of the final 40 with his trademark footwork pushing him to plant the ball down next to the posts.
But a pinpoint kick by Trindall forced a set restart in favour of the Sharks and set Sione Koata up to score, but he was later denied by the Bunker due to a knock on.
Royce Hunt looked certain to score minutes later but was also denied by the Bunker as an earlier knock on by Mulitalo was missed on field.
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An additional two tries by the Cowboys was of little concern for the five-eighth, who forced yet another repeated set before rattling the Cowboys to earn a penalty goal.
“He’s playing like a veteran and that was fantastic,” Paul Vautin said.
“He has had a magnificent game Trindall.”
After the game, halves partner Nicho Hynes heaped praise on Trindall and believes their combination is coming together well at the right time of year.
“He’s killing it Tricky,” he said.
“All I wanted to do was come back and suit our style. Tricky has been kicking well and playing well, so we’ve got to stick to our strengths as a football team.
“We’re gelling pretty nicely at the right part of the year.”
The highest praise however came from Phil Gould, who claims Trindall is now a bonafide first grade star who will have plenty of clubs knocking on his door soon.
“Every finals series, a player emerges and rise to the occasion to announce themselves,” he said on Nine’s post-game recap.
“I think that’s a breakout game. We know he’s been a talented player, he had to wait for a long time at the Sharks – but tonight was a breakout game.
“He really announced himself on the stage of NRL football … that was a superb performance and he really did take the pressure away from Nicho Hynes.
“He was able to simplify his game … Trindall came up with the big plays.”