Nicho Hynes makes staggering State of Origin statement after Sharks NRL masterclass
The Sharks playmaker is making sure Michael Maguire is recognising his game.
Sharks five-eighth Nicho Hynes has made an emphatic statement for a State of Origin recall having led his team to a dominant 40-0 thrashing over the Raiders. Hynes has been defying his critics all year in 2024 and the Sharks No.7 has arguably put in his best NRL display this year having scored a try, set-up two tries, made eight tackle breaks and put up his season-best 456 kicking metres as he guided his team around the park.
While there has been criticism of Hynes' defence in recent times, the Sharks halfback made 25 tackles and only missed one in an all-round display. New Blues coach Michael Maguire is yet to settle on who his Origin five-eighth will be for his first series in charge, but there is little doubt for many that Hynes deserves a shot in the No.6 jersey.
Brad Fittler opted to drop Hynes last year after one display, which saw him come off the bench and play an unfamiliar role at centre. And while it took a while for Hynes to find his confidence again, the Sharks commander has done just about everything possible to get an opportunity alongside Nathan Cleary in the halves.
The Sharks are leading the NRL ladder and the team have also put 152 points past their opponents across the last four games. Hynes does face strong competition for the No.6 jersey from incumbent Cody Walker and Panthers star Jahrome Luai. However, he is clearly the in-form playmaker for the Blues right now and coach Craig Fitzgibbon was quick to back Hynes for another shot in the sky blue jersey.
"He's got a nice balance to his game at the moment," coach Fitzgibbon said. "He's obviously got the talent and skill ... but his defensive form is as good as I've seen so he wouldn't be out of place (in Origin)."
Ahead of the game against the Raiders, Hynes admitted he had matured even since last year and was ready if given the opportunity to wear the No.6 jersey "If I'm not ready right now, then I don't think I'll ever be," he said.
"I feel like if I'm called for that job, then I am ready to play No.6. I'd just love to play a rep game in my position. But I'm not really thinking about Origin, to be honest ... All I want to do is win games for the Sharks." Hynes will get another opportunity against the Dragons next week to push his case with Shane Flanagan's men conceding 60 points to the Roosters on Thursday.
Hynes admitted last week he felt the impact of being dropped in last year's series, but has since grown as a player. "I think (the Origin debut) has set me up for how I'm going now," Hynes said last week.
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"Yeah, I was a bit rattled by it but I've learned a hell of a lot. I think it's made me a better player from it." Maguire takes over from Brad Fittler as Blues coach with Billy Slater having won two in a row as Maroons coach.
Ricky Stuart laments Raiders performance at home
While the Sharks were imperious against the injury-hit Raiders, Stuart admitted he needed to be patient with a young team. "I've just got to be patient and keep working with the younger players because those boys who are injured, they're not back for a number of weeks," Stuart said.