Nicho Hynes is the darling of the NRL at the moment, and it’s not just his stellar on-field performances that are earning him plaudits.
The Sharks halfback was excellent in their crushing 44-6 win over North Queensland last night in the Shire, earning himself the inaugural Paul Green Medal, the man of the match award that remembers the Cowboys’ Premiership winning coach, who made just shy of 100 appearances in the black, white and blue of Cronulla.
Over 50 of Green’s friends and family had assembled in the Shire to celebrate his contribution to both clubs, and following the presentation of the medal to Hynes, he immediately handed it over to the late coach’s son, Jed.
He also gave the match-worn number 7 jumper – the same number that Green wore at the Sharks – to his daughter, Emerson.
“What an amazing guy, what he did for my two kids last night, I’ll forever be thankful,” Green’s widow Amanda told the Daily Telegraph. “The smiles on their faces were priceless.”
Hynes himself added that it was the least he could do for the family.
Nicho Hynes with the children of Paul Green, Jed and Emerson after receiving the Paul Green Medal. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
“It was special just to see those kids smiling, after everything they’ve been through,” said the reigning Dally M Medallist.
“And if I could do something so little, by giving Emerson my jersey with the number seven on the back like Paul once wore and hand Jed the first ever medal, as much as I was honoured to receive it, I felt that it’s more important for them to hold onto.”
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
No I don’t do banter with Sharkie haters
KenW
Roar Rookie
You don't really do banter do you?
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
Well pretty sure you don't fit into those categories Ken
Abbot
Roar Rookie
Hmmm was trying for the clapping emoji. About all you can do is stand and applaud a decent bloke. His efforts off field for the Sharks and the NRL are a standout example to every player and administrator how to think of others first and see the big picture
KenW
Roar Rookie
Just seems genuinely thoughtful and likeable - what's he doing at the Sharks!
Fraser
Roar Rookie
He is a truly inspirational human.
RedcliffeFan
Roar Rookie
Wonderful. Just adds even more to this fine man's reputation. He's a huge asset to Cronulla and the NRL. Pity the same can't be said for Todd Payten. After Nanai put Hamlyn-Uele out of the game and condemned him to weeks on the sideline with a torn medial this was his reaction: “Braden jumped up pretty quickly to throw the ball at him, so it musn’t have been too bad initially.” Oh yeah. Tell it to Hamlyn-Uele and Cronulla who now have their two best props sidelined with serious injuries. He must have not seen Hamlyn-Uele helped off the field and then having to use crutches to get around. The coach of this rabble also reckoned Hess's trip was just worth a penalty. Of course he did. Delighted his lot copped a flogging - Payten's pain was great to see.