'Someone to keep an eye on': Billy Slater admits State of Origin debut 'not beyond' Braydon Trindall
Braydon Trindall has emerged as a potential bolter for Queensland in this year's State of Origin series, with the in-form Sharks star continuing to impress.
Fresh off a career-best campaign, the playmaker has hit the ground running in 2025 and was among the best players on the field in Cronulla's win over South Sydney.
Trindall's kicking game and game management caused headaches for the Rabbitohs, helping orchestrate the 27-12 win on home soil.
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Braydon Trindall in action against the Rabbitohs. Getty
Speaking on Nine's Sunday Footy Show, league great and Maroons coach Billy Slater heaped praise on the 25-year-old after the impressive display.
"I'm gonna salute Braydon Trindall, kicking two 40/20s in last night's game," he said.
"You know you're on top of your game when you're doing this and it was on both sides of the field. When you've got confidence, you take those opportunities.
"Braydon Trindall is doing the majority of the kicking at the Sharks at the moment and he's having some sort of season."
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Slater's comments led to an on-the-spot question from co-host Andrew Johns, who raised Trindall as a potential option for Queensland this year, should veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans opt out of representative football as he nears the end of his career.
The response from the coach certainly will give Trindall some confidence.
Billy Slater with Daly Cherry-Evans in 2024. Chris Hyde via Getty Images
"I'm fully aware that he's a Queenslander, that's for certain," Slater said.
"The way that he's played, not just this year but last year as well, he's someone to certainly keep an eye on. I don't think that would be beyond him, for sure."
Trindall's partnership with Nicho Hynes has started to develop nicely for the Sharks, allowing the former Dally M Medal winner to focus on his running game.
Cronulla will take on the Bulldogs in round four.
