Trindall's return from a dislocated shoulder was a triumph in Saturday night's 26-16 elimination final win over North Queensland, with the five-eighth terrorising the Cowboys' back three with his big boot.
Returning just four weeks after suffering the injury against Canberra, and putting off surgery, Trindall did not take a pain-killing injection before the game.
The 27-year-old also had deal with the discomfort of strapping and a brace, making it difficult to move his right arm at times and carrying it awkwardly.
But the Cronulla five-eighth is well accustomed to the situation, after also carrying a shoulder injury as he played arguably the best football of his career in late 2024.
"So it's nothing new to me," Trindall said.
"That was two years ago. It was the same sort of thing and very similar (pain level).
"It's going to be a bit sore at times. It's more of a mentality thing ... I knew what was coming through the week.
"I just got my mentality right knowing I would have to get through it and tough it out. I had plenty of confidence after I made a few tackles."
Trindall did cop some burner pain to his shoulder after making a tackle in the last minute of the win, but pulled up fine afterwards.
The Indigenous All Star was back running at training just two days after the dislocation and had Sharks players charging at him before round 27.
Crucially, he had minimal tackling to do at Allianz Stadium, with second-rower Teig Wilton preventing the Cowboys from getting at him.
Beyond his big boot, Trindall's helped free up Nicho Hynes as the Cronulla No.7 ran the ball 10 times, bust seven tackles and scored a late try.
Cronulla are confident their attack will be better for the run, with Trindall the heartbeat of their side and leading the NRL for try assists this year.
"It was good to get a bit of rust out," Trindall said.
"There were a few opportunities I could have iced, but go look at the video and get ready for next week.
"We always talk about the best player in the team is the team. I thought everyone played well and did their part. Heaps of confidence going into next week."
Trindall was not the only Shark playing through injury, with winger Ronaldo Mulitalo also battling ligament and bone damage on his right thumb.
Mulitalo was able to train through the week and did not require a needle.
"Craig doesn't like people who sit out for finger issues. Especially if you're a winger," Mulitalo quipped.
"The ligament has ripped off and it took some bone off.
"I did it last week. It happens, that's footy. Everyone is carrying injuries this time of year and I am sure there are guys with worse injuries than me."
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