A Milestone for Nicho Hynes
Cronulla Sharks’ halfback, Nicho Hynes, is set to make history this weekend as he prepares to reach the milestone of 100 appearances in the black, white and blue. The challenge ahead will be formidable, as he faces a strong Rabbitohs side that has been performing exceptionally well.
Hynes’ journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable since his NRL debut in 2019. His first game was played as a fullback for the Melbourne Storm in his hometown of Gosford, where he also faced the Rabbitohs in his opening match.
In an interview with Zero Tackle, Hynes expressed his gratitude for the path that has led him to become the Sharks’ chief playmaker. He stated, “It’s quite a nice achievement to hopefully get to this weekend and then get through the week and then play the game. But it’s been a really nice and crazy journey along the way, but I wouldn’t change a thing, and I’m super happy with where we are at the moment, and in my life and on the field as well.”
Looking forward to the new challenge, Hynes highlighted the influence of one player during his upbringing who significantly impacted his career. He mentioned, “Johnathan Thurston” as someone he admired growing up. “Obviously can’t be Johnathan Thurston, but the next best thing is actually playing NRL.”
Thurston, known for his incredible career, including a 2015 Grand Final victory with the North Queensland Cowboys, has left a lasting legacy. Hynes, a proud Wiradjuri man, has followed in his footsteps by becoming an advocate for Indigenous pathways and cultural connection, as well as a voice in discussions about mental health.
Hynes’ achievements extend beyond his playing career. He has represented his country in the Pacific Championships in 2023 and has held captaincy roles. When asked about his favorite career moment, he said, “Playing for Australia was pretty cool. Covid bubble was fun. That was an awesome couple of years there with the Melbourne boys. Winning a Dally M is probably something I’ll reflect on later in my career when I finish, I reckon.”
Despite the celebration of his 100th appearance, Hynes faces the challenge of stopping a strong Rabbitohs team. He acknowledged, “Oh, all of them,” when discussing the threat posed by the Souths lineup. “Obviously, Latrell’s the big name that’s carving up at the moment. So you know, we look at him, Cody (Walker), all the boys, they’re all playing some good footy and you can’t put too much effort into one area. Otherwise, something else is going to break us apart.”
Hynes had a standout performance in the Sharks’ 52-10 victory over the Wests Tigers. He is building a strong relationship with his spine, which is showing promise before the crucial Origin period.
Blayke Brailey, part of the Sharks’ spine, is currently the frontrunner for the NSW Blues hooker position. After Lauire Daley confirmed that he will run out with two nines in his side, he stated, “We were looking at a number of different combinations but I think where the game’s at, having those two hookers in your squad certainly gives you cover if something happens to the starting hooker.”
Hynes praised Brailey’s form and believes he is ready for a potential debut with the NSW Blues. “Yeah, for sure, definitely,” Hynes said. “I love to see him put the number nine jersey on for New South Wales, or if he comes off the bench, whatever. But I’d love to see him play, and play for our state, and I think he’d be a perfect man for the role.”
Hynes also has the opportunity to break the 1000-point mark this weekend, given a solid performance. Currently sitting on 988 points across his time at the Storm and the Sharks, it will be a night of celebration with the club if he can also break into the four-digits. He will join Steve (1,255) and Mat Rogers (1,112) as the only other Sharks to notch up 1000 while playing the majority of their career in the Shire.
