Nicho Hynes and Kalyn Ponga in Dally M uproar after more NRL judging backlash

NRL fans have been left divided once again in the Dally M voting with Nicho Hynes awarded zero points for arguably his best game of the season in a Sharks jersey, while Warriors supporters have hit out at Kalyn Ponga scoring the most in their clash. The Dally M voting has come under heavy scrutiny in 2024 with Hynes one of the main names at the forefront of confusion.

The halfback was awarded 12 points across the first three rounds, despite many NRL fans voicing their dissatisfaction with Hynes gaining maximum points in two games. However, Hynes was stellar in the Sharks' comeback against the Raiders on the weekend. Cronulla were 18-0 down, before Hynes and an inspired Cam McInnes helped the Sharks record an epic comeback.

Hynes put on his best 40 minutes of footy so far this year with Blues coach Michael Maguire watching on at the stadium. While he kicked 6/6, provided a try assist and ran for 152 metres the halfback was not among the points in round four. Some could argue this was Hynes' best game in the No.7 jersey so far and regardless of previous results he should have received some Dally M points.

Instead Cam McInnes received three points from both judges, after an equally brilliant display. The other points were awarded to Jake Williams, Blake Brailey and Ronaldo Mulitalo for the Sharks.

Many joked immediately after the Sharks' comeback victory Hynes had already sewn up the six points from the Dally M judges. While many in the NRL arena believe Hynes shouldn't be on 12 points so far in 2024, it appears he could have also been hard done by in the latest match.

Warriors fans fume over another Kalyn Ponga drama

Across the ditch, Warriors fans have become enraged again after claiming Ponga once again stole something from them. The Warriors defeated the Knights 20-12 on the weekend in a battle of the fullbacks. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Ponga battled it out with both excelling in a brilliant game.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Taine Tuaupiki were both unavailable due to injury for Warriors coach Andrew Webster and he shifted Tuivasa-Sheck to fullback and the No.1 was incredible, putting in a staggering 28 runs for 278 metres, including seven tackle busts. Tuivasa-Sheck was handed compliments from the commentators.

"He’s been awesome, but we expected nothing less," Fox League's Michael Ennis said about the Warriors No.1. "Last week he ignited their attack when he went back to fullback. He’s been brilliant." Fellow NRL great Corey Parker said he thought Tuivasa-Sheck was the “best on field.”

However, Ponga was equally as impressive on a team that struggled for field position. Ponga's grubber helped the Knights score their first try, before a number of scintillating runs left the Warriors defenders behind. He also managed another line-break assist and ran for two himself.

Warriors fans felt aggrieved last year when Ponga's end-of-season run saw him win the Dally M medal over Shaun Johnson in a close finish. And Warriors fans are again up-in-arms to see the judges award Ponga four points.

Tuivasa-Sheck was handed three points. While many could argue Ponga was the best player on the field for a team battling for territory and possession, others could claim Tuivasa-Sheck was a terror for the away side and deserved more points. Fans once again were left arguing over who deserved the points.