Of all the unlikely types to offer Cronulla hope of one of the biggest upsets in NRL finals history, the weatherman was looking good earlier this week.
A forecast of sideways rain from Thursday to Saturday’s grand final qualifier against the Panthers, and a Heavy 8 Accor track offered a soggy, closer to level, playing field.
Trindall’s 20 kicks against the Cowboys for 635 metres and four forced line drop-outs will have Panthers Mitch Kenny, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin leading the NRL’s best kick pressure on Cronulla’s rising star.
Hynes’ short kicking game has dialled back since his Dally M medal in 2022 when he forced 21 line drop-outs (equal 1st in the NRL). But he still has three 40-20s this season (equal 2nd) and can keep both Penrith’s defensive line and their back five honest.
Wing it: Turning Penrith’s weapons into a weakness
The difference between Penrith’s seven losses and 17 wins this year is almost 250 run metres in their all-conquering yardage game.
In the last two of those losses against Melbourne and Canberra last month, Brian To’o – the NRL’s most effective backfield winger – was successfully targeted and taken out of the game.
Cronulla already have the blueprint Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster used so effectively in round 24, with Trindall bombing the Cowboys repeatedly last week for Ronaldo Mulitalo and Sione Katoa to lead their own kick chase.
To’o switched to Penrith’s right wing in their last start against the Roosters, which would put him opposite Mulitalo.
Gus’ blueprint to downing Panthers
Phil Gould has explained the secrets behind taking down the defending premiers.
One of Penrith’s few weaknesses has been the wet – they’re two from six when playing in rain over the past two years – and the Sharks own home ground is known as rugby league’s Bermuda Triangle for a reason.
The goalpost flags have been known to fly in completely opposite directions, Sharknados roll in and opposition teams can disappear.
Unfortunately for Cronulla, the forecast has been dialled back, and the preliminary final is set for overcast but dry conditions.
Still, for the Sharks to reverse a 70-0 scoreline in their last two clashes with Penrith, a wet weather approach is as good as any. And knocking off the Panthers as rank outsiders would be one for the Bermuda Triangle Hall of Fame.
Tricks and kicks: The balance between Hynes and Trindall
The best game of Braydon Trindall’s career delivered three tries from his boot against North Queensland last week as he took the lion’s share of kicking duties.
Not until the 20th minute did Hynes kick in general play, and by halftime he and Trindall had shared the play making straight down the middle – Trindall had 41 touches of the ball, Hynes 40 and the Sharks led 24-0.
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