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Hynes signs his way into million-dollar marquee club: Sharks tie down Dally M winner on long-term mega deal
The Roar
6th April, 2023
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The Roar
6th April, 2023
16

Cronulla star Nicho Hynes will remain at the Sharks until the end of the decade after inking a contract extension worth a million dollars per season.

The 26-year-old halfback who won the Dally M Medal as the best player in the NRL last year has signed the richest deal in Sharks history which will keep him in the black, white and blue until the end of 2029.

It all but ensures he will play out the rest of his career at the club as he will turn 33 in the final year of the deal.

Hynes was not off contract until after next season but club chairman Steve Mace was thrilled his star playmaker did not want to test the market as a sign of his loyalty to coach Craig Fitzgibbon and the team he joined from Melbourne last year.

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“Having recently extended Craig as well was a big contributor to his decision and to now have Nicho and the coach on board long term is a huge positive for the NRL team and our club,” Mace said.

Nicho Hynes Dally M Winner 2022 (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

“The negotiations were very collaborative between Nicho, his management and the Sharks, with the best interests of all parties, for now and for the future, always paramount in the discussions.

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“Nicho loves the club, has fit seamlessly into Cronulla and the Sutherland Shire and enjoys the lifestyle the area offers. But further to that, Nicho has chosen to sign this extension without going to market, with a view to keeping this team together, but also in an indication that he believes in what the club is building on and off the field.”

The signing of Hynes follows the recent retention of a number of Sharks, with the likes of Jesse Ramien, Siosifa Talakai, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Sione Katoa, and rising stars Sam Stonestreet and Kade Dykes, committing long term.

“It’s pretty surreal, it hasn’t sunk in yet,” Hynes said after signing the contract. “I never thought I’d sign a long term contract in the NRL, one that’s hopefully going to set up my life and my family as well. 

“I’m happy it’s done and now I can focus on playing some good footy and to win some games with this club with the ultimate goal of winning a premiership.

“Loyalty is a big value of mine and this club and Fitzy gave me an opportunity to be a starting player. This whole town, whole community has welcomed me and I can never picture putting on another jersey.”

Hynes was used as a utility at the Storm and did not cement a spot in first grade despite playing 36 times for the Storm over three seasons after his debut in 2019.

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Last year at the Sharks he was a revelation at halfback, winning the Dally M with the highest points tally in the award’s 43-year history.  

“This new contract is reward for Nicho’s hard work, which has certainly paid off, but I have no doubt he’s got more to come,” Fitzgibbon said.

“His stature in the game is rising by the way he carries himself and his performances to date are in line with that. I’m looking forward to watching him develop and continue to improve and to Nicho performing at a consistently high level as a Shark into the future.”  

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