Nicho Hynes has capped off an incredible first year at Cronulla with Rugby League’s most prestigious individual award, the Dally M.
Nicho Hynes’ first appearance in a Cronulla jersey left a lasting impression. It might’ve only been a trial against the Bulldogs, but the awe-inspiring effort had the hallmarks of what a history-altering signing looks like.
He’d only been in the Shire a few months, but roamed Shark Park like he’d always been there. Hynes moved with such grace and assurance. Like all good players, he had endless time with the footy, never pressured, barely rushed. He was the heartbeat of Fitzgibbon’s new-look side; his troops followed his every lead, perfectly in sync.
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As the season progressed, nothing changed; every game played a further guarantee that Cronulla had a playmaker to lead them deep into the finals once again. He dismantled opposition defences with ease, tallying 21 try assists and 29 linebreak assists, to spearhead Cronulla to their most fruitful point-scoring season since their 2016 Premiership year.
And what about their new-found defensive resolve? Nicho played his part there too; a 92.6% tackle efficiency the best of any established half in the competition. Yes it might have escaped them in the finals, but the 2022 regular season produced their least points leaked since their last Minor Premiership in 1999. It was the foundation of their highest finish on the NRL ladder since that same season.
He craved the responsibility of the big moments and delivered when the game was on the line. There was the after-the-siren conversion to sink the Eels and golden point field goal against the Bunnies; enduring memories of an unforgettable year.
He compiled one of the finer individual NRL seasons; a deserving Dally M Medalist. And while his record-breaking tally might not be indicative of the greatest individual season ever witnessed, it could be the most auspicious in Cronulla Sharks history.
In Hynes, the Sharks have a star and role model for the best part of the next decade. A humble, grounded man whose personal battles gifted him perspective and sage beyond his years. A leader to build their playing group around, who can guide them to glory once again.
He is the best buy of the 2022 NRL season, and perhaps the greatest in the club’s history.
