Sharks star Nicho Hynes opens up on NSW Blues State of Origin 2024 recall

Nicho Hynes played just 12 minutes of Origin in 2023 before being axed for the following two games of the series. 2024 marks his shot at redemption, with the Sharks star opening up on his recall and his reaction to last year’s disappointment.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 31: Nicholas Hynes of the Blues looks dejected after defeat during game one of the 2023 State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues at Adelaide Oval on May 31, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Nicho Hynes has declared he feels like he’s making his State of Origin debut all over again after being chosen as the halfback to restore pride to NSW.

The Sharks playmaker has also allayed any fears over his nagging calf injury, while declaring his plan to repay the faith of Blues coach Michael Maguire.

“Madge (Maguire) called me to congratulate me and it sure was a nice phone call to receive,’’ Hynes told The Daily Telegraph.

“By picking me he’s believing in me and showing me confidence, that’s what I love in a coach.

“Hopefully I can show him the faith that he showed in me and prove to him why he’s picked me.’’

Hynes will partner Penrith’s Jarome Luai in the halves for the Blues against Queensland in State of Origin I in Sydney on June 5.

Nicholas Hynes made his Origin debut in 2023. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

It adds another stunning chapter to Hynes’ life story, just 12 months after he was thrust into the Origin arena from the bench for the Blues in game one last year.

Hynes played the final 12-minutes in the out-of-position centre role where he was pilloried for missing a tackle that led to the Maroons scoring a match-deciding try.

Former NSW coach Brad Fittler failed to pick Hynes for either of the two remaining matches in last year’s series.

Such has been his progression as a halfback and maturity as a footballer, which includes his Test debut at the end of last year, the 27-year-old says he feels like a different player ahead of this year’s much anticipated three-game series.

“I’m so proud. It’s something that I’ve been working on for a very long time,’’ Hynes said.

“Every kid dreams of playing Origin and obviously I got to experience it last year, but hopefully I can experience it in a much better way this time.

“I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to play a rep game in my position (halfback) and obviously I got to do that in the All Stars, so hopefully I can do a good job here.

Nicholas Hynes was under an injury cloud after round 12 but is expected to be fit for Origin. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

“It (last year) hasn’t scarred me. It’s not going to hinder my preparation or focus this week, it’s not going to drag me down at all.

“People can freely talk about it all they want, that’s fine, but I’ve moved on from that.

“I’ve learned my lesson and have since gone on to play for Australia, so I feel like I’m in a much better head space going into this camp.

“So in some ways, it does feel like my debut again.’’

Hynes underwent scans of his nagging calf complaint on Sunday after leaving the field in the 32nd minute of the Sharks heavy loss to Penrith on Saturday night.

He provided an insight into his ability to be physically ready for the Blues 10-day camp, claiming the issue was tightness in his calf, as opposed to anything more sinister.

“I’m going to give Andrew Gray (NSW head of high performance) a call and work out what they want to do,’’ Hynes said.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 31: Nicholas Hynes of the Blues looks dejected after defeat during game one of the 2023 State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues at Adelaide Oval on May 31, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

“But it’s feeling much better this week compared to what it felt like after our game against the Roosters.

“I’m confident that I’ll get on the field quicker than what I did this week.’’

Asked how he felt about partnering with Luai, Hynes said: “I’m looking forward to playing with Jarome. He’s taken the reins really well at Penrith, I saw first-hand how he carved us up.

“He’s been in the arena before, so hopefully I can just create opportunities for him and get him into the game.’’

In an emotional moment, Hynes received the call from Maguire with his proud mother in the room.

“It was really nice and then I rang my brother and Dad as soon as I hung-up to give them the news,’’ Hynes said.