NRL 2022: Nicho Hynes learns new tricks from Nathan Cleary in bid to be even better

Sharks star Nicho Hynes is determined to take his game to the next level and didn’t waste his opportunity in State of Origin camp to learn from Blues halfback Nathan Cleary.

Nicho Hynes. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Cronulla half Nicho Hynes has been shadowing Nathan Cleary. Using his time in State of Origin camp with NSW to pick Cleary’s brain and take note of his every move.

“Me and Nathan started to get along well towards the back end,” Hynes said.

“I like to learn a bit off him because he obviously plays the same position and is the best player in that position ... he does everything down to a ‘T’ and is just so professional.

“He just wants to be the best and took that first loss pretty hard on himself. You look at his performance [in game II] and he absolutely killed it, one of the best performances you will ever see.

“Those little things, watching him do his extras, is good to watch. He’s just the ultimate professional. You can see why he’s one of the best players in the game.”

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Nathan Cleary and Nicho Hynes share a laugh during Origin camp. Picture: Richard Dobson

Hynes is no slouch himself. His move to the Sharks from Melbourne has coincided with the club climbing the ladder and he has been at the heart of their ascent, driven by a desire to improve not just himself but those around him.

A resurgent Canterbury loom as the latest challenge on Saturday afternoon at CommBank Stadium as the Sharks attempt to maintain their position in the top four.

“I want to get better,” he said.

“I don’t want to keep maintaining, we need to pick it up an extra gear now. We’ve got a big month coming up for the Sharks so we have to step it up a couple of notches.

“My game needs to go to a higher level. It’s really good to be a part of (NSW camp). You surround yourself with great players and learn a hell of a lot. I’m so grateful to be a part of the squad for the past two camps.

“I’ve learnt heaps and will take that back to the Sharks. I learnt heaps about being professional and how they go about their day-to-day business.

“Watching the likes of Teddy [James Tedesco] and Nathan Cleary, especially being in my position, I pick up little traits of what they do.

“I definitely take it away, learn from that and try to implement those things into my game.”

As much as he has learnt in Origin camp, his time with the Blues has been a tad bittersweet.

Nicho Hynes is determined to take his game to a higher level. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

He has been 18th man for the opening two games of the series, meaning he has been within touching distance of an Origin debut without ever getting a taste of the action.

It is a source of both frustration and motivation.

“It’s one of the biggest motivations, being so close and watching the boys play and me being 18th man a third time in a row now,” he said.

“It makes me want to go back and play well in club footy and do my best for the Sharks to make sure I’m still in that squad and hopefully one day play.

“You just have to keep on biding your time, waiting and learning and making sure you are ready. If the time comes and you’re not ready, you won’t do it justice.

“Being around the boys, the game plans and knowing how they want to play, I’ve got that down pat now. If my time comes this year, next year or the year after, I reckon I’ll be ready.”