While teammates shield their halfback from the most recent criticism, Cronulla centre Jesse Ramien believes the Sharks have the opportunity to silence those who question Nicho Hynes.
The legendary Greg Alexander of Penrith led criticism of Hynes’s performance in the qualifying final defeat to Melbourne, urging Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon to think about substituting Daniel Atkinson for the tyro in Friday’s semi-final matchup with North Queensland.
In the Sharks’ 37-10 defeat, Hynes was involved in the opening try, but he mishandled a touch kick with the game still close and found it difficult to take control as the Storm pulled away in the dying moments.
For Hynes, it was more evidence to refute those who questioned his capacity to perform well in pivotal moments.
Hynes, one of the most well-known players in the competition, has had a turbulent season and hasn’t been able to regain his best form after a difficult opening game start for NSW in State of Origin I.
Colleagues have jumped to the defense of their million-dollar player, who only made a comeback from a major ankle injury two weeks prior to finals, with their season on the line.
“Everyone in this room supports him,” Ramien said to the AAP.
“This year, he has been fantastic for us. He is not worthy of what he accuses.
“I can’t wait to get back out there Friday and hopefully we can shut some people up.”
Cronulla prop Toby Rudolf hinted that Hynes’ detractors might have overlooked his accomplishment history, which included a stellar 2022 inaugural season at the team.
“Nicholas Hynes won the Dally M two years ago, and people think that he’s a different player but he’s the same guy,” Rudolf told the Associated Press.
“As a team, we haven’t been playing well. We’ve made a few mistakes, and last week was no exception.
“I don’t see the point in blaming one guy when there’s 12 other guys on the field at the same time.”
While expressing “great respect” for Alexander, captain Cameron McInnes “completely disagreed” with his assessment of Hynes, insisting the halfback could not be held solely responsible for the defeat.
The Sharks on Saturday crashed to their seventh successive finals loss, matching the NRL record, giving up two tries in the closing ten minutes and committing 12 errors to the Storm’s four.
“Over the weekend, nobody performed their duties out there for us. It is unfair to place the blame on one individual, McInnes told AAP.
“Hynes is not only an amazing athlete but also a wonderful person. He’s come a long way in a short amount of time.
“Nicho is a really strong individual, and this week he is eager to go. This week, we have to perform our parts, and he will do his.”
