Following Will Kennedy’s probably season-ending hamstring blow in Round 22, the Sharks are desperately looking for a fullback answer.
With second string No.1 Kade Dykes 2023 marketing campaign additionally written off earlier than the season started with a knee harm, coach Craig Fitzgibbon might look to shake up his backbone.
That is in keeping with the SMH, who’re reporting the reigning Dally M Medallist Nicho Hynes has put his hand as much as transfer to fullback in an try to shift fortunes in Cronulla.
Watch each recreation of each spherical of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >>>
Fitzgibbon’s Sharks are within the midst of a three-game shedding streak which has dropped them right down to seventh and inside placing distance of a number of groups making a finals cost.
Sharks medicos are reportedly bracing for the outcomes from scans of Kennedy’s hamstring, with preliminary fears he gained’t take the sector once more in 2023.
Another choice for Cronulla is to recall Matt Moylan to put on the No.1 jersey, with the previous Panther starting his profession at fullback.
The 32-year-old was dropped forward of Round 21, with Braydon Trindall profitable the No.6 jersey to companion Hynes within the halves.
However, Hynes stays the apparent alternative having emerged as a star fullback for the Storm, enjoying 36 video games off the bench and within the beginning workforce below Craig Bellamy.
Hynes’ change might be precisely what he must rediscover his kind this season, with The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield questioning why the star halfback is experiencing a stoop.
He pointed to Hynes’ bumper $7 million extension introduced in April.
Get all the newest NRL news, highlights and evaluation delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
Bulldogs rob Dolphins in thriller | 01:01
MORE NRL NEWS
BIG HITS: Titans repel potent Cows for remaining 65min as flyer enjoys large day
‘WEREN’T SUPPOSED TO WIN ANY’: Bennett bristles over Dolphins’ finals hopes
‘IN TROUBLE’: Holmes going through prolonged ban over second excessive shot sin bin in per week
BIG HITS: Burton’s subject purpose decides thriller for Dogs; Dolphins star misses conversion
He additionally defined his sacking from Fittler’s NSW facet after just one recreation, approaching the sector for the closing minutes in opposition to Queensland, might have contributed.
“Rugby league pin-up boy Nicho Hynes is struggling to live up to those high-pressure expectations as his Cronulla Sharks outfit slides out of premiership contention,” Rothfield wrote.
“Because of his profile, everyone is now asking: what’s wrong with Nicho?
“Was it his sacking from the NSW State of Origin team after 10 minutes in Adelaide that destroyed his confidence? Does he do too much social media and too many photo shoots?
“Is it the more personal issues like supporting his mum in her much-publicised court case?
“Or the pressure of living up to the $7 million contract he signed in April? Or a combination of all of the above.”
Fitzgibbon went in to bat for his star halfback, explaining his effort hasn’t dropped off because the Origin sequence.
“Nicho’s first to admit he can play better but watching his effort and spirit, he’s actually trying his clacker off,” Fitzgibbon stated.
“It’s his second year at halfback and getting the balance right about how you play and complete your sets is a development process. It doesn’t happen straight away.
“You look at the most experienced halves – all these guys have had some footy adversity along the way to becoming great halves.
“Nicho’s aware of it, he’s working through it and training hard. I’m backing him in – he’ll come out the other side. He cares so much, it will turn, I know it will.”
Source: www.foxsports.com.au