‘I just don't care': Why Nicho Hynes is happy to be brushed by Blues
Nicho Hynes drove to Shark Park on Thursday morning as rain swept in off Woolooware Bay.
The Bureau of Meteorology expects the squalls to settle in for at least a week, or possibly relenting some time in August. As far as Hynes is concerned though, life is nothing but sunshine and lollipops as an interview goes for 10 minutes until he has to field a question about State of Origin.
'I love it,' Cronulla's million-dollar No.7 grins. 'I knew I had media today and it's just so good not to be spoken about being in [NSW] contention.
'And it's a bittersweet pill because you want to be spoken about being in contention. But I think that's been too much of a focus for me, over the last two years, wanting to be in that arena.
'You can forgive me for that because every player wants to be in the discussion about Origin. And I got to do it. But right now I just have so much focus on myself and rocking up to be a better player for the Sharks.
'I'm not worrying about external stuff, I'm not worrying about my [representative] goals, my goals will come if the team is performing and I'm playing good footy for the Sharks.
'I couldn't care less if I don't go anywhere near Origin this year. All I want is for the Sharks to be in contention to win a premiership.
'Then the rest will come at a later date. I don't want people to think that I'm shitting on not playing for NSW. I would love to, but right now I just don't care.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
4 hours ago
- Perth Now
Payten declares Maroons must pick star to win Origin
North Queensland coach Todd Payten says if Queensland want to win the second State of Origin match to level the series they need to start Tom Dearden in the halves. Dearden is favoured to replace veteran Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans for the must-win match in Perth, with the Cowboys captain consistently delivering for his NRL team. Cherry-Evans, 36, failed to ignite the Queensland attack in game one in Brisbane, which NSW dominated to win 18-6. While Kiwi Test halfback Jahrome Hughes starred for Melbourne in their 38-14 victory over North Queensland at AAMI Park on Friday night, Dearden still impressed in the losing side. Payten was firm in his belief that the 24-year-old was ready to be picked to wear the No.7 jersey rather than have a bench role for the June 18 match. Dearden has already done the job for the Kangaroos, steering Australia to victory over Tonga in the Pacific Cup final last November, while he also impressed in the Maroons No.6 jumper in the absence of Cameron Munster last year. "You're asking the wrong person, I know he's ready, it's just not my decision," Payten said after the Storm match. "Selfishly, I'd love him to come off the bench, but if they want to win, I'd be putting him in the halves." Dearden downplayed the selection quandary for Queensland coach Billy Slater, saying he was only focused on the Cowboys. "I wasn't really looking at it as an audition," he said. "I thought like I probably could have been a lot better with helping us with direction and then handing the ball over in the right area, so there's probably a few areas I need to look at from that performance." Melbourne skipper Harry Grant, who had an uncharacteristically poor Origin outing after being hobbled by a hamstring injury, looked back to his best against North Queensland. "I had a pretty clear focus of what I needed to work on from that (Origin) game it sort of hurt not being able to play after that, against the Titans, and that was just precautionary with the hamstring," the hooker said. "I had a pretty narrow focus and it was pleasing to just get a win for the team and everyone sort of played their role within our game plan." His Storm teammate Stefano Utoikamanu also put his hand up to replace Mitch Barnett in the NSW squad, with the Warriors prop ruled out for the season with an ACL rupture. Utoikamanu and Keaon Koloamatangi are the favourites to take Barnett's spot with the Melbourne forward named 19th man in the Blues squad for game one when he was on stand-by for an injured Payne Haas. Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, who is an advisor to the NSW coach Laurie Daley and will join the squad in Perth, said Utoikamanu had pushed his case for selection. "You think he'd be right up there in the firing line, I think he's a real big chance," Bellamy said. "He was really solid, and some of his runs really stood out and I'm sure Laurie will be looking at his defence as well and hopefully for Stef, he'll line up in the next game."
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Edict fires two NRL greats into frame for Kangaroos job
The NRL will maintain its stance of prohibiting the Kangaroos coach from having club ties, placing Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith at the front of the queue to replace Mal Meninga. After nine years and two World Cup titles, Meninga has walked away from the Australian Test side to become head coach of the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027. Meninga has been one of the most vocal supporters of the international game's growth and leaves the role with an 89 per cent win rate from 28 Tests. His exit to take the Perth gig leaves the Kangaroos without a coach just five months out from the first Ashes series in more than two decades. Australia will play England in a three-Test series at Wembley, Headingley and Everton's new home ground in November. There has been speculation that South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett would put his hand up to lead Australia. But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Sydney on Friday that the ARL Commission wanted the national team coach to be at arm's length from club football. "We are all very excited for the end-of-season tour, it's been a long time in waiting, and of course we have a World Cup next year. "Today was about announcing Mal as the Perth Bears coach, and now with that secured the commission will turn its attention to the right candidate for the Kangaroos." Smith has no interest to coach at club level, but the 56-Test hooker said this week that the chance to work with the Kangaroos around his commentary commitments was appealing. Fittler, meanwhile, hasn't had a coaching position since parting ways with NSW following the 2023 State of Origin series. The ex-Australian playmaker currently works at the NRL and has received the backing of Phil Gould to lead the Kangaroos' Ashes tour. Meninga has helped restore the Australian team to the top of the international game, while the rise of Tonga and Samoa has left the Kangaroos increasingly fighting for players. "The Kangaroos job is a full-time job, it's not just coaching the team, there's a couple of other commitments," Meninga said. "From a transition point of view I'll hopefully be a part of all that. "I have loved the opportunity to coach the Australian team and build the international program. "I'm satisfied with the job I did with the national program, I'm really comfortable with the fact that I'm moving on." The NRL will maintain its stance of prohibiting the Kangaroos coach from having club ties, placing Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith at the front of the queue to replace Mal Meninga. After nine years and two World Cup titles, Meninga has walked away from the Australian Test side to become head coach of the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027. Meninga has been one of the most vocal supporters of the international game's growth and leaves the role with an 89 per cent win rate from 28 Tests. His exit to take the Perth gig leaves the Kangaroos without a coach just five months out from the first Ashes series in more than two decades. Australia will play England in a three-Test series at Wembley, Headingley and Everton's new home ground in November. There has been speculation that South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett would put his hand up to lead Australia. But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Sydney on Friday that the ARL Commission wanted the national team coach to be at arm's length from club football. "We are all very excited for the end-of-season tour, it's been a long time in waiting, and of course we have a World Cup next year. "Today was about announcing Mal as the Perth Bears coach, and now with that secured the commission will turn its attention to the right candidate for the Kangaroos." Smith has no interest to coach at club level, but the 56-Test hooker said this week that the chance to work with the Kangaroos around his commentary commitments was appealing. Fittler, meanwhile, hasn't had a coaching position since parting ways with NSW following the 2023 State of Origin series. The ex-Australian playmaker currently works at the NRL and has received the backing of Phil Gould to lead the Kangaroos' Ashes tour. Meninga has helped restore the Australian team to the top of the international game, while the rise of Tonga and Samoa has left the Kangaroos increasingly fighting for players. "The Kangaroos job is a full-time job, it's not just coaching the team, there's a couple of other commitments," Meninga said. "From a transition point of view I'll hopefully be a part of all that. "I have loved the opportunity to coach the Australian team and build the international program. "I'm satisfied with the job I did with the national program, I'm really comfortable with the fact that I'm moving on." The NRL will maintain its stance of prohibiting the Kangaroos coach from having club ties, placing Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith at the front of the queue to replace Mal Meninga. After nine years and two World Cup titles, Meninga has walked away from the Australian Test side to become head coach of the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027. Meninga has been one of the most vocal supporters of the international game's growth and leaves the role with an 89 per cent win rate from 28 Tests. His exit to take the Perth gig leaves the Kangaroos without a coach just five months out from the first Ashes series in more than two decades. Australia will play England in a three-Test series at Wembley, Headingley and Everton's new home ground in November. There has been speculation that South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett would put his hand up to lead Australia. But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Sydney on Friday that the ARL Commission wanted the national team coach to be at arm's length from club football. "We are all very excited for the end-of-season tour, it's been a long time in waiting, and of course we have a World Cup next year. "Today was about announcing Mal as the Perth Bears coach, and now with that secured the commission will turn its attention to the right candidate for the Kangaroos." Smith has no interest to coach at club level, but the 56-Test hooker said this week that the chance to work with the Kangaroos around his commentary commitments was appealing. Fittler, meanwhile, hasn't had a coaching position since parting ways with NSW following the 2023 State of Origin series. The ex-Australian playmaker currently works at the NRL and has received the backing of Phil Gould to lead the Kangaroos' Ashes tour. Meninga has helped restore the Australian team to the top of the international game, while the rise of Tonga and Samoa has left the Kangaroos increasingly fighting for players. "The Kangaroos job is a full-time job, it's not just coaching the team, there's a couple of other commitments," Meninga said. "From a transition point of view I'll hopefully be a part of all that. "I have loved the opportunity to coach the Australian team and build the international program. "I'm satisfied with the job I did with the national program, I'm really comfortable with the fact that I'm moving on."
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Dad leaves door open for Cleary rugby switch
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says he is unclear on son Nathan's sporting future amid speculation the halfback could be eyeing a move to rugby union. Nathan Cleary, one of the NRL's best players, is contracted at Penrith until the end of 2027. Reports Cleary may be interested in rugby union emerged last week, when Wallabies legend Tim Horan said the Penrith star was "quite keen" to switch codes. Ivan Cleary wouldn't rule out the possibility of the NSW halfback exploring the rival code but was firm that father and son would remain united until the end of his contract. "Nathan's here for another two years so that's where he's gonna be," Ivan Cleary said on Friday. "Nath's a pretty open-minded kid but that's down the track maybe, who knows? "But he's contracted here for another two years so that's what he's doing." The Penrith coach even weighed in on whether his son would make an effective flyhalf should he choose to change to the 15-a-side game. "I don't think he's ever played (rugby union)," Ivan Cleary said. "He'd just have to avoid all the rucks, just kick and goal kick I suppose and he'd go alright." But Cleary senior rubbished the notion that winning three State of Origin series and four premierships meant the 27-year-old had nothing left to prove in league. "I don't think so at all, not that I've ever spoken to him about it," Cleary said. "Just watching him play every week, he's always trying to get better and loves what he's doing." The Panthers take on Wests Tigers on Sunday and hope to build on momentum started with their gritty 18-10 win over Parramatta in round 13. It will be the first time Penrith have faced Tigers recruits Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva since they were part of the Panthers' fourth straight premiership. The Penrith coach highlighted how changes in Luai's approach have helped lift the previously struggling Tigers (13th) above Penrith (15th) on the ladder. "Probably started last year when (Luai) started kicking the ball more, his kicking game has definitely improved over the last couple of years," Cleary said. "Touching the ball more, being around both sides of the footy and just being generally dangerous." The coach said it wouldn't be too strange coming up against his old charges, and his team's focus was on preventing a Tigers ambush at Commbank Stadium on Sunday. "We loved them, they were a big part of our team and (Jarome) was certainly one of those," Cleary said. "It makes it interesting for sure but Tigers, generally speaking, our games against them are always tough. "They tend to bring their best against us and I'm sure it'll be the same this week." Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says he is unclear on son Nathan's sporting future amid speculation the halfback could be eyeing a move to rugby union. Nathan Cleary, one of the NRL's best players, is contracted at Penrith until the end of 2027. Reports Cleary may be interested in rugby union emerged last week, when Wallabies legend Tim Horan said the Penrith star was "quite keen" to switch codes. Ivan Cleary wouldn't rule out the possibility of the NSW halfback exploring the rival code but was firm that father and son would remain united until the end of his contract. "Nathan's here for another two years so that's where he's gonna be," Ivan Cleary said on Friday. "Nath's a pretty open-minded kid but that's down the track maybe, who knows? "But he's contracted here for another two years so that's what he's doing." The Penrith coach even weighed in on whether his son would make an effective flyhalf should he choose to change to the 15-a-side game. "I don't think he's ever played (rugby union)," Ivan Cleary said. "He'd just have to avoid all the rucks, just kick and goal kick I suppose and he'd go alright." But Cleary senior rubbished the notion that winning three State of Origin series and four premierships meant the 27-year-old had nothing left to prove in league. "I don't think so at all, not that I've ever spoken to him about it," Cleary said. "Just watching him play every week, he's always trying to get better and loves what he's doing." The Panthers take on Wests Tigers on Sunday and hope to build on momentum started with their gritty 18-10 win over Parramatta in round 13. It will be the first time Penrith have faced Tigers recruits Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva since they were part of the Panthers' fourth straight premiership. The Penrith coach highlighted how changes in Luai's approach have helped lift the previously struggling Tigers (13th) above Penrith (15th) on the ladder. "Probably started last year when (Luai) started kicking the ball more, his kicking game has definitely improved over the last couple of years," Cleary said. "Touching the ball more, being around both sides of the footy and just being generally dangerous." The coach said it wouldn't be too strange coming up against his old charges, and his team's focus was on preventing a Tigers ambush at Commbank Stadium on Sunday. "We loved them, they were a big part of our team and (Jarome) was certainly one of those," Cleary said. "It makes it interesting for sure but Tigers, generally speaking, our games against them are always tough. "They tend to bring their best against us and I'm sure it'll be the same this week." Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says he is unclear on son Nathan's sporting future amid speculation the halfback could be eyeing a move to rugby union. Nathan Cleary, one of the NRL's best players, is contracted at Penrith until the end of 2027. Reports Cleary may be interested in rugby union emerged last week, when Wallabies legend Tim Horan said the Penrith star was "quite keen" to switch codes. Ivan Cleary wouldn't rule out the possibility of the NSW halfback exploring the rival code but was firm that father and son would remain united until the end of his contract. "Nathan's here for another two years so that's where he's gonna be," Ivan Cleary said on Friday. "Nath's a pretty open-minded kid but that's down the track maybe, who knows? "But he's contracted here for another two years so that's what he's doing." The Penrith coach even weighed in on whether his son would make an effective flyhalf should he choose to change to the 15-a-side game. "I don't think he's ever played (rugby union)," Ivan Cleary said. "He'd just have to avoid all the rucks, just kick and goal kick I suppose and he'd go alright." But Cleary senior rubbished the notion that winning three State of Origin series and four premierships meant the 27-year-old had nothing left to prove in league. "I don't think so at all, not that I've ever spoken to him about it," Cleary said. "Just watching him play every week, he's always trying to get better and loves what he's doing." The Panthers take on Wests Tigers on Sunday and hope to build on momentum started with their gritty 18-10 win over Parramatta in round 13. It will be the first time Penrith have faced Tigers recruits Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva since they were part of the Panthers' fourth straight premiership. The Penrith coach highlighted how changes in Luai's approach have helped lift the previously struggling Tigers (13th) above Penrith (15th) on the ladder. "Probably started last year when (Luai) started kicking the ball more, his kicking game has definitely improved over the last couple of years," Cleary said. "Touching the ball more, being around both sides of the footy and just being generally dangerous." The coach said it wouldn't be too strange coming up against his old charges, and his team's focus was on preventing a Tigers ambush at Commbank Stadium on Sunday. "We loved them, they were a big part of our team and (Jarome) was certainly one of those," Cleary said. "It makes it interesting for sure but Tigers, generally speaking, our games against them are always tough. "They tend to bring their best against us and I'm sure it'll be the same this week."
