'Lost a brother': Nicho Hynes reveals tragedy in post-match interview
Melbourne Storm star Nicho Hynes has revealed the tragic truth behind his try-scoring gesture against Brisbane on Thursday night.
Hynes' stocks soared higher in Melbourne's 40-12 defeat of Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium that saw the Storm cement their spot in second on the ladder.
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The fullback grabbed a try, two try assists and 177 running metres in what's been described as a brilliant audition against a side he's been heavily linked with for next season.
When Hynes scored his try he was captured kissing his wrist and pointing to the sky in a moment that largely went unnoticed at the time.
Speaking about his man-of-the-match performance with Channel Nine after the game, Hynes confessed that his superb display came amid a sombre backdrop.
The fullback explained that his try-scoring gesture was a tribute to a loved one after revealing that he'd "lost a brother" during the week.
"I'll just give a shout out to all the boys and family back home. We lost a brother a couple of days ago," Hynes told Johnathan Thurston on Nine.
"That's who I had on my wrist and I kissed the sky tonight. So, I'm really thinking of you guys. Lots of love back home."
Hynes shines as Haas falls
Hynes was brilliant against a Broncos side he might be playing with next season as the Storm stretched their run of wins by 13 points or more to a new NRL high of nine games.
Brisbane's loss was compounded by an injury to Origin hopeful Payne Haas, who limped off in the 51st minute with a knee injury.
He's reportedly facing between two and four weeks on the sidelines, meaning the prop is at long odds to play for the Blues in the June 9 opener and also a doubt for game two on June 27.
The rampaging forward had impressed in the first half for an improved Brisbane, who had beaten the Sydney Roosters last week in their best showing under new coach Kevin Walters, who admitted he's in "serious doubt" for the Origin opener.
But Brisbane were their own worst enemies, Anthony Milford the main offender in a first-half performance that saw the off-contract five-eighth's prospects take another hit.
In the final months of his four-year deal worth nearly $1 million a season, Milford has already been dropped twice this year and looked devoid of confidence in an error-riddled performance.
His passes missed the mark just as space was created on the flanks, while he stuck a foot out to stop a short kick that bounced into the path of try-scorer Tui Kamikamica.
He then darted a pass out of dummy half at the shoelaces of Jesse Arthars, the knock-on leading to a Josh Addo-Carr try from the ensuing set.
His confidence shot, Milford seemed reluctant to even receive the ball on the final play before halftime with the score 16-0 and was replaced in the 68th minute.
Victory saw Melbourne maintain their incredible 12-year winning streak over the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium as they prepare to extend their stint away from home beyond two weeks, following another COVID-19 outbreak in their home state.
"There was room there for them to make an excuse," Storm coach Craig Bellamy said.
"It was our fourth away game in a row, so I'm proud tonight that they turned up with plenty of effort in them."
with AAP
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