NRL 2024: Greg Alexander calls for Nicho Hynes to be axed in halves for Cronulla Sharks’ semi-final v Cowboys

Nicho Hynes, the Sharks’ highest paid player and Dally M medal-winning halfback, has been at the centre of calls for change amid a finals form slump for the Sharks that dates back to 2018. HAVE YOUR SAY.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 14: Cameron McInnes and Nicho Hynes of the Sharks walk off the field after losing the NRL Qualifying Final match between Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks at AAMI Park on September 14, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Cronulla will resist calls to drop $1 million halfback Nicho Hynes for Friday night’s sudden death clash with North Queensland as pressure grows to break a seven game finals losing streak.

Hynes, the clubs’ highest paid player and Dally M medal-winning halfback, has been at the centre of calls for change amid a finals form slump for the Sharks that dates back to 2018.

The Sharks will not throw their star playmaker under the bus and will back him to wear the No.7 jersey against the Cowboys in Friday night’s semi final at Allianz Stadium.

However, Saturday night’s 37-10 qualifying final loss to Melbourne has ignited debate about his position in the team and whether he’s suffering from a crisis of confidence after a season of injury, in which he missed six games at the back end of the year with a calf problem.

It has prompted Penrith great Greg Alexander to pose whether Hynes should be dropped in favour of less experienced pair Braydon Trindall and Daniel Atkinson.

Speaking on SEN 1170 Breakfast on Monday morning, the former NSW Origin adviser said he would opt to play Trindall and Atkinson against the Cowboys instead.

“He must be under pressure to keep his spot in the side. The performance against the Storm over the weekend (was poor),” Alexander said.

“Braydon Trindall and Daniel Atkinson had been doing a good job as the halves pairing and then Nicho Hynes came back into the side.

“There now has to be serious questions about whether Hynes gets a start. I would personally go with Trindall and Atkinson.”

Pressure is mounting on Nicho Hynes to step up for the Sharks. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Greg Alexander has called for Daniel Atkinson to partner Braydon Trindall in the halves. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Hynes has been a lightning rod for criticism across the past two seasons, some of which naturally comes with the position as a marquee halfback in a side without recent finals success.

However, the Sharks believe calls to axe the halfback are unfair after the Storm loss considering Melbourne’s complete dominance.

Cronulla had just 10 tackles inside Melbourne’s 20 metre zone compared to 41 for the Storm, and were dominated up front by a rampaging opposition pack.

The Sharks had just 41 per cent of possession and made just 1045 metres compared to 1869 from the premiership heavyweights.

Without the ball his options are limited.

And a call to axe Hynes now with the season on the line would have enormous future ramifications.

“If Craig Fitzgibbon says to Hynes that he isn’t their man for this game then that’s saying he has no faith in him being the man for next year or the year after that,” Alexander said.

“Hynes can play footy but he’s lacking something and that’s confidence. He is hesitant at the moment.

“He needs to go back to 2022 and last year to watch how he used to play.”