Nicho Hynes switch on the cards amid huge Ryan Papenhuyzen twist at Cronulla Sharks

The Sharks could be set to make a move for Ryan Papenhuyzen after speculation fullback Will Kennedy's future at the club is in doubt, which would also see a reshuffle for maligned halfback Nicho Hynes. Storm fullback Papenhuyzen is arguably the biggest name on the open market in NRL with a number of clubs interested in signing the 26-year-old from Melbourne.

Papenhuyzen stunned fans when he opted not to confirm a contract extension with the Storm and is now able to negotiate with other clubs as of 1 November. The Storm offered Papenhuyzen a smaller deal than expected, which would see him go from $950,000 to $750,000 per season if he wants to stay under Craig Bellamy's tenure. And while there has been speculation both the Bulldogs and Eels are interested in the fullback, the Sharks seemingly are also keen to make a move.

Kennedy appears to be on the outer at the Sharks with coach Craig Fitzgibbon looking at a reshuffle to the team. The Sharks No.1 is off contract after 2025 and Fitzgibbon could be looking to bring the premiership winning fullback from the Storm to Cronulla.

The Sharks are facing a salary cap squeeze with Ronaldo Mulitalo and Cameron McInnes also off contract. And if the Sharks can't sign Papenhuyzen, they could also look to move Hynes from halfback to fullback.

Cronulla looking to switch Nicho Hynes to fullback?

Hynes played fullback when he was a utility for the Storm, but hasn't played in the No.1 jersey for quite some time. The halfback was heavily criticised for his form after State of Origin last year with Braydon Trindall seemingly taking over most of the playmaking duties.

While many are sceptical of Hynes' ability to play fullback, the move might be necessary if the Sharks can't land Papenhuyzen. The Sharks might need to throw close to $1 million at Papenhuyzen to lure him away from Melbourne and reporter Michael Chammas believes Kennedy's future at the club could be in limbo.

“I’m hearing murmurs around Will Kennedy’s future,” Chammas said on James Graham's 'The Bye Round' podcast this week. “I don’t know if he’s as secure at the Sharks as we might have thought originally. They obviously haven’t gotten past the second week of the finals for a number of years.

“He’s a free agent November 1. What happens with Will Kennedy and do the Sharks have a play at Ryan Papenhuyzen?...or do they move Will Kennedy on and Nicho Hynes becomes the fullback?”

Kennedy has been a mainstay for Fitzgibbon at the Sharks, but the club's inability to move ito the second week of the NRL finals has raised doubts over the squad. Kennedy has scored 43 tries in 107 appearances since his debut in 2019.

Parramatta Eels loom as Papenhuyzen destination

The Sharks are not the only club making moves with reports Clint Gutherson could be on the out at the Eels, which has opened the door for a Papenhuyzen bid. The NRL market took a twist last week after The Daily Telegraph reported the Eels have decided to release Gutherson from the final year of his contract.

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Gutherson's future was discussed at a board meeting and the official announcement of his release is expected to happen. Most expect Gutherson to immediately join the Dragons having been linked with the club for weeks.

Reports suggest Sua Fa'alogo has a handshake agreement with the Melbourne Storm and he could listen to rival offers if Papenhuyzen is confirmed as the long-term fullback at the club. This could see both the Sharks and the Eels make a play for Fa'alogo going forward. The Bulldogs are also in the mix with oplenty of salary cap