Nicho Hynes seems to float more than run. Gliding through defence with his luscious locks bobing in the wind, like some sort of majestic rugby league demigod. Millions of middle-aged men feel weak at the knees with the sheer thought of his cut out pass.
Despite this, I wouldn’t pick him at 6 for NSW. And Brad Fittler won’t either.
Why? He is too dominant, which is a weird reason to not be picked in a team.
Hynes averages 69 touches of the football a game. This is the most of any halfback in the entire NRL, and significantly more than any five-eighth.
And for now, the NSW Origin team is the Nathan Cleary show. In his five-eighth, he needs a partner to follow his command, not an outrageously handsome renegade.
Hynes at 6 may work but it would be a gamble – and not one that Brad is willing to make.
So, what about Nathan’s right hand man Jarome Luai?
Off the back of NSW losing the last series, there must be some casualties. Unfortunately for Luai, he will be the scapegoat. Or sacrificial lamb. Or the mouse that sunk the boat.
Point is, the Blues were outplayed last year. And short of blaming Cleary himself (God forbid) there needs to be an explanation as to why he didn’t reach his normal lofty playing standards: Luai didn’t take the pressure off his halfback.
So, who will be able to take the pressure off Cleary?
Enter the man with the biggest boot in the NRL, Matt Burton.
The Burton bomb is a truly unique weapon. It has the ability to completely rattle the confidence of the opposition back three, and change the momentum of the game.
It is the single skill that no other half can bring to the table, not even Cleary himself can replicate it.
Burton has already proven he can handle the origin arena. He has experience playing with Cleary in the NRL. He also has a running game good enough to win him a Dally M centre of the year award. And you best believe that man can kick a football.
Nicho is a NRL demigod destined for greatness. Luai is Nathan’s right hand man destined for more NRL premierships.
But Burton is the man destined to play 6 for NSW in 2023.
Carlos Marrickvillian
Roar Rookie
Im not sure if you have inside info but I will be amazed if Freddy doesn't go with Luai and you couldn't pick him ahead of Turbo or Latrell in the centers. He could perhaps be the 14 though? Personally I'd go with Murray as 14 and Hynes as 6.
Roachy
Roar Rookie
Lot of options this year for the blues and surely many selection headaches for freddy. However, I feel like burton would be best utilised at #14. He can slot in just about anywhere in the back line, which is specifically handy considering last year 3 players went off in the first 10 mins for HIA, versatile utilities are more important now than ever before. Being able to activate an extra kicking option with fresh legs (And a devastating one at that) could be game changing for the blues and would take the pressure off the halves if they are under the pump. NSW have always had more success in the origin arena when selecting for mobility to suit the fast pace of origin and i think he'd suit that perfectly.
beth jones
Roar Rookie
Really well written article. You've laid out the facts and had your say. I have to agree, amazing article once again!
David Roderick
Roar Rookie
A good piece Vincent, with plenty of provocative stuff. I reckon your two most outrageous claims were ... 1. Nicho is a NRL demigod destined for greatness. 2. Luai is Nathan’s right hand man destined for more NRL premierships. Hynes has potential, but it hard to know what position suits him. A very talented footballer, but he might never make an Origin run-on team. Luai is a also very talented footballer with wonderful achievements so far, but the chances of him and Cleary combining for another premiership must be quite low with Penrith appearing to be starting a rebuilding cycle. If Luai moves to another club it will be interesting to se if he can guide a team to a premiership without Cleary inside. Maybe he can, but I think its far from certain.
Muzz Manyana
Roar Rookie
Walsh will be in the squad.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Exactly ! Its just part of a media narrative promoting one of the "good" guys of the NRL ! Rather than that arrogant , classless , Mt Druitt type ! :silly: Could be worse, they could be politicians rather than footballers ! The same media coverage would apply depending on their "teams".
Nat
Roar Guru
I have found it interesting in recent weeks where if Penrith lose/don’t go so well all eyes are on Luai and his rep jumper. Sharkies put in a poor performance and no one mentions Hynes in the same manner.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Pick and stick ! Unless we get beaten ? :silly:
Nat
Roar Guru
If fit it will be Ponga. I think Walsh is still a year or two away in maturity in the big moments.
Nat
Roar Guru
Less options in previous years… Opps I mean we are loyal… :silly:
Albo
Roar Rookie
I'm pretty sure that, if NSW does pick Cleary at 7 , then Luai will be the 6. His last two big match appearances were a Grand Final win and a World Cup Final after he won 3 man of the match awards getting Samoa into the final. He's done nothing wrong to be overlooked next month. If however, he was to be overlooked, I would go with Cody Walker at 6 ( if the brainstrust can forgive his one previous poor SOO performance). He has plenty of combinations likely to be on the field as well. Hynes is not a 6 . He might be the 7 if Cleary is out. He would be a handy interchange if they can find a spot for him ? But assuming they play two hookers ( Api & Cook) there is not much room on that bench ? Burton could only be a left centre for mine. And I think the major problem for NSW is not the 6 & 7, but will be getting a decent pack & bench to compete with the QLD lot. Big queries on the fitness of forward incumbents like Jurbo, Martin , Angus Crichton , RCG, etc.
Albo
Roar Rookie
So who is the QLD fullback ?
Col in Paradise
Roar Rookie
Yep....but I think it could cost the Blues in Origin..anyway Fittler will give him a farewell series this year as don't think he wil be up to it next year
Tony
Roar Guru
Except Murray won't be lock
Tony
Roar Guru
Chances of Tedesco being dropped for origin = nil :happy:
Tetley
Roar Rookie
Haha yes it's easy to be bedazzled by Nico's matinee presence in the NRL. But let's not forget Cody Walker. He might have a furrowed brow and unbecoming glare but he's doing good work that shouldn't be overlooked!
MW
Roar Rookie
Burton is a fantastic centre but a little overrated in the halves imo. His performances of the last two years have been patchy. I was all for Hynes until he threw a spanner in the works with his efforts yesterday. I think he will pick Luai just because and Luai will do an ok job. Our forward pack is who will lose us the series regardless of who is at 6 and 7. We need a new coach who can fire the boys up. They need to go out there full of hate and not be cool, calm and filled with the peace loving stuff that Freddy instills in them.
Worlds Biggest
Roar Pro
Nice article Vincent, well done. A few weeks ago I had Burton as my 6 as his kicking game is off the charts to compliment Cleary’s. I don’t think Luai is playing well enough to warrant selection. Hynes doesn’t play 6 for his Club so not sure why everyone is clamouring for him at 6 despite his fantastic form. I would pick him as the 14 no question. The wildcard in the pack that has garnered no discussion is Cody Walker. He is the form 5/8 currently and totally outplayed Munster last night. There will be a number of Rabbitohs in the Blues team so his combination with them will be priceless. Yet despite all this he has not rated a mention at all in the media. I would have no issue with Burton at 6 as he is a terrific player. However if the team is picked on “ form “ and players in there natural positions then Cody has to be the leader in the Clubhouse.
Panthers
Roar Rookie
Wouldn’t Walker work very well with Murray at lock, Graham & Mitchell as centres?
Panthers
Roar Rookie
Hynes would have to be in the 17. He plays anywhere in the backline & could play lock at a stretch.