New Cronulla playmaker Nicho Hynes hopes to bring the winning qualities of his breakout year at Melbourne to the Sharks as he makes a permanent transition from fullback to the halves.
Hynes was one of Melbourne’s best on their run to a minor premiership and only lost one game in which he started all throughout the 2021 season.
Ryan Papenhuyzen’s concussion-enforced hiatus gave him a sustained shot at first grade action where his electric form led to new Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon handing the 25-year-old a three-year deal with the Sharks.
“Fitzy has brought me here as a half,” he said.
“Whether it’s as a six or seven, it doesn’t really matter.
“I played both of them growing up. I played fullback in my NRL career and a few games in the halves.
“It’s not unfamiliar, I’ve played there my whole life. I like to run the footy but I also like to set the players outside me up as well.”
(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Hynes is one of Cronulla’s two new recruits from the Storm, with lock Dale Finucane also heading to the Sharks.
Mindful of the theory that Storm players don’t tend to hit the same heights once they leave the guidance of Craig Bellamy, Hynes hopes the pair can bring some of the standards set at Melbourne to the Shire.
“You don’t want to put expectations on this team, but the end goal is to win a premiership and play finals footy,” he said.
“I’ve been fortunate to do that at the Storm.
“Hopefully me and Dale can bring some of those qualities to make this team into a winning team.”
Hynes has often been open about his long journey to make it at NRL level after getting released by Manly as a junior.
He worked his way up through the Queensland Cup before joining Melbourne, and has sought the advice of a mindset coach this off-season to help him deal with the pressures of playing in the NRL.
“When I first came in at the Storm and I made a mistake or one of the boys blew up at you for doing something wrong I’d take that and be out of the game for the next ten minutes,” he added.
“It’s something I’ve worked on and I want to continue to improve that.
“I’m coming here as a main man and the team can’t afford me to not have me in the game for 80 minutes at a time.”
Benjamin Carangelo
Roar Rookie
lets go nicho cant wait to see you in the feild
Malo
Guest
Won’t make the 8 . Talk is cheap, he was a Storm bench player, how is he going to change the culture
The Barry
Roar Guru
McInnes will probably be playing 13 at the Sharks won’t he… the lineup for that blues jersey is longer than the 9…
KenW
Roar Rookie
McInnes is a great pickup for the Sharks but he's not even an outside chance for Origin unless Cook has an injury. He lost that battle a few years back, Cook has been a mainstay of the side ever since and McInnes is not the super-sub style of player you would put on the bench.
Eelsalmighty
Roar Rookie
Fullback, yes. Centre? I don't see it. Probably not enough ball, too much defence. HB? I don't see him as an organiser, but at 6 next to a structured HB, yes.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
Time will tell if he can play outside Storm structure. I like where the Sharks are going - getting rid of some deadwood, bringing in a mix of experience and attitude. I expect McInnes from the Dragons to be the buy of the year and will play SOO this year.
Randy
Roar Rookie
I don't mind the 1999 Heath Ledger look
Albo
Roar Rookie
I think he is a fullback or centre ! I think they are dreaming, in trying to make him a halfback ?
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
The Storm went downhill ever since Hynes was left out of the starting 13. Coincidence? I don't think so. Hynes was on fire through their streak of wins. Should have played centre after Paps came back.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
I just hope he gets a haircut.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Sharkies are on top on player recruitment. Unlike some clubs they have bought exactly what they need. Hynes may not be exactly what he was in Melbourne but he doesn't need to be. Your present FB is very good so is your 9. Finucane is EXACTLY the forward you need. Someone to show those young guys how it's done. Top 8 is yours for the taking.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Is that an ever so slight dig to Bellamy's ribs, that last sentence. 22 mins and 25 mins in their 2 finals games, dunno.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Exactly
KenW
Roar Rookie
He may do well – lots of ability there, real chance of a Cody Walker style late bloomer. Despite that though it is still a bit rich to have him talk about bringing ‘winning qualities’ to a new club when he only became a regular 1st grader this year.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
He's undoubtedly a great young player Hynes but would be well advised against talking up title prospects just yet. It will only place an unrealistic weight of expectation on his shoulders. That being said I have no doubt he is going to do very well for the Sharks.
Max power
Guest
Absolute fluff