Nicho Hynes and Cam McInnes on State of Origin axings, why Michael Maguire sacked them
Cameron McInnes admits he was shell shocked to find out he was being dropped from starting in Origin I to being named 19th man for Game Two. The tireless Sharks captain explains to DAVID RICCIO why believes he missed out.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Cameron McInnes admits he felt shell shocked by his NSW State of Origin omission for Game Two, believing he didn’t let the state down in his debut performance.
McInnes has gone from the Blues starting lock-forward position in Origin I to 19th man for Game Two against Queensland at the MCG.
In his State of Origin debut, McInnes played 47-minutes, where he made 33 tackles and didn’t miss any.
The tireless Sharks captain conceded that NSW coach Michael Maguire’s decision to drop him for game two was a by-product of the similar way he plays the game to his replacement Cameron Murray and fellow lock-forward Isaah Yeo.
“I’m obviously disappointed,” McInnes said.
“But when you put your ego aside, you can understand Madge’s (Maguire) decision.
“Obviously as much as I feel like I’ve got something to offer, you can’t have too many of the same guys like (Isaah) Yeo, Cam (Murray) and myself.
“When I got the call I was disappointed. I was a bit shell shocked.
“But you also know as a player that after a loss there could be changes.
“I don’t necessarily feel like I let anyone down, but obviously we lost the game so changes were probably going to happen.
“And although we did lose, it is just so addictive to want to be part of.”
McInnes said his Origin debut left him loaded with belief that he could handle the incredible intensity of the game’s toughest arena.
“I felt good out there,” McInnes said.
“After you play that first game, you feel like, ‘I can do this’.
“I wasn’t sure prior to the match whether I’d be able to keep up or handle it.
“But I got through it and felt like I could do a bit more here (Origin arena), but that’s footy though.
“Maybe I only have one opportunity. That’s footy, that’s life, you’ve just got to take it when it comes.”
McInnes said he hoped that the fact that he remained a part of the extended Blues squad meant that he would earn another opportunity in Game Three.
“I’d imagine he (Maguire) wouldn’t have invited me back if he wasn’t going to keep me in his plans,” McInnes said.
“I’ve just got to go and play well, not for me, but for the Sharks.
“There’s a big difference. I don’t ever want to get caught in that trap of thinking I need to get back here (Origin arena), what do I need to do for myself.
“It only comes from performing for the Sharks.”
McInnes said he was eager to help Cronulla bounce back to form following their 30-28 loss to the Dolphins last weekend.
The Sharks have a bye this weekend before facing the Bulldogs next Friday night.
“The big word in the game now is being connected and it’s true how much it plays a role,” McInnes said.
“I got up to Brisbane (to play the Broncos after Origin I) and I was really excited to play, but with some days off to freshen-up I wasn’t back to training until the captains run before the Dolphins game and I just lost a little bit of that connection with the group.
“We were all like that in that Dolphins game and it’s a good lesson for me to learn and the team to learn that we need each other connected to perform.”
Hynes denies Origin axing left mental scars
-David Riccio
The first person Nicho Hynes contacted after being dropped from the NSW State of Origin team was his halfback replacement Mitchell Moses.
“I just wanted to wish Mitch all the best. I’m fully backing Mitch. I hope he does an awesome job and can help lead NSW to victory,’’ Hynes said.
In his only interview since being overlooked by NSW coach Michael Maguire for game two against Queensland, the Sharks halfback says he has “no hard feelings” and is mentally hardened by his Origin experience.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’d love another crack at Queensland,’’ Hynes said.
“I’d love to be there, as would every other available NSW halfback.
“That’s the environment that Origin is, it’s addictive and you just want to keep being a part of it.
“Madge (Maguire) gave me the call and he gave me the reason why he was going with Mitch and I have accepted that. I’m fine.
“I’m not offering up any excuses. I just need to get better.
“The experience I’ve taken away from not just the game, but the entire week is what I’m bottling.
“You have no idea how keen I am on ripping into my training, game-planning and performance for the Sharks. They are my entire focus.
“If you had said to me at the start of the year that you’ll be the starting halfback for NSW, I would have jumped at it. I’d still jump at it.
“It only makes me want to work harder for Cronulla.’’
An influential role-model within the game, Hynes is a passionate advocate for mental health.
There has been a feeling within the game that the Dally M winner was privately struggling with the shock of being replaced by Moses.
However, Hynes spoke with clarity and genuine positivity about his situation.
“Am I down or struggling? Not in the world. I’m about the happiest I’ve ever been with my life and this season is not even halfway through yet,’’ Hynes said.
“There’s still so much more footy to play this year. The challenge is in front of us at Cronulla.
“I love being challenged in footy, I’m in my third season now as a halfback and I’ve become increasingly better at embracing that.
“Although we were terrible against the Dolphins in the first 20-minutes last week, our defence especially, of which we have addressed as a team, we didn’t run from the scoreboard pressure, but ran towards it by finishing with 28 to their six points.
“My ball placement on the tee just wasn’t perfect for that last conversion shot.
“I had a really good freshen-up (during the Sharks current bye week) and now I just can’t wait to lead my team, the Sharks.
“We’ve set ourselves up for a good year and so now we need to knuckle down and get back to working hard for one another, so that we can be there when it matters to take this competition out.’’
Hynes said Maguire had invited him to the MCG for game two, but his ability to be in the crowd would depend on the Sharks training schedule and preparation for their round 17 game against the Bulldogs next Friday night.
Either way, Hynes – who celebrated his 28th birthday on Tuesday – said he would be cheering the Blues.
“Madge did a great job in putting the camps together. He has assembled a great team around him, with Frank Ponissi involved,’’ Hynes said.
“I have no hard feelings, I just want the boys to go out and beat Queensland.
“I believe we can do it.
“Latrell back is exciting. There’s an aura about Latrell that gives every player around him confidence.
“That’s going to be scary for Queensland.
“I can’t wait to watch.’’
Future NRL stars dazzle in Australian Schoolboys domination
A Greg Inglis clone who needs to ‘work out the talent he’s got’ and a Dragons wrecking ball were at the fore of the Australian Schoolboys 50-point demolition job. Discover every standout performer.
Panthers slammed over ‘pathetic’ move
The Penrith Panthers are the all-conquering NRL champions but the club has abandoned their bid to claim the one trophy that’s eluded them.