Cronulla’s Nicho Hynes insists he is not disappointed to have lost the national team, as his ax will allow him to face his former team, the Melbourne Premiership heavyweights.
Key points:
- Nicho Hynes will not be the 18th man from New South Wales for next week’s decisive Origin
- While still a member of the extended team, Hynes will be released to take his place for Cronulla in his clash with Melbourne on Thursday night.
- Hynes says he is grateful to have the opportunity to face his former club
NSW coach Brad Fittler selected Hynes as the 18th man for the first two games of 2022, as well as the last game in last year’s series.
The 26-year-old looked set to make his debut in his home state, but has instead been relegated to the extended squad in favor of Jack Wighton, who has recovered from COVID-19 and will line up as 18th.
But Hynes said he could see the bright side of his ax – he’s now free for Thursday night’s litmus test against runner-up Storm.
“I get a chance to stay here and play against the Storm first and then go up to the (Origin camp),” he said.
“I am just grateful that they let me do this.
“The Sharks are the priority right now, but as soon as the game is over, the NSW Blues will be my priority.”
Fittler was declared Wighton NSW’s best player in the Origin I defeat and Hynes said former Dally M medalist had earned the right to be on the match day team.
“I have to be the 18th man for the last two games and Jackie Wighton deserves to get back on the team somewhere,” he said.
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“If that has to knock me out, so be it.”
Hynes ’Origin Dream is still alive and well, however, the former Storm utility has set out to play in next year’s series.
“This year I had the goal of being in the squad all three games and I was lucky enough to do that,” he said.
“Next year I’ll probably try to be at least 17 during a game.”
Hynes said Storm coach Craig Bellamy would demand from his team a statement against Cronulla after the disappointing 36-30 defeat to Manly last week.
Without Cameron Munster, Melbourne struggled to contain the Sea Eagles, who would have won much more convincingly if they hadn’t faded in the last 10 minutes.
“I can only see in my head the image of (Bellamy) exploding them in the middle and after the game, and how their workouts would have been this week,” Hynes said.
“They’re coming here ready.”
AAP