Nicho Hynes ‘shocker’ in NRL ‘massacre’ hammer blow to Origin hopes, Blues bolter emerges

As the race heats up for NSW’s halfback spot, one contender hasn’t helped his case with a shocker against some Queensland stars.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 11: Nicholas Hynes of the Sharks runs with the ball during the round 15 NRL match between Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks at AAMI Park on June 11, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Mitchell Moses is firming as NSW’s choice to replace the injured Nathan Cleary at halfback for State of Origin Game II.

The Blues are set to make several changes to their squad for the must win game at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on June 21.

Several candidates including Nicho Hynes, Adam Reynolds, Cody Walker and Moses have been discussed as halves options for NSW, potentially at the expense of five-eighth Jarome Luai.

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Moses played one game for NSW in the 2021 series, filling in while Cleary was injured.

But Hynes’ creativity and Reynolds’ kicking game and familiarity with Suncorp Stadium, had them firmly in the conversation to replace Cleary.

Moses being picked would mean Hynes, who came off the bench in Game I, would be overlooked.

“There’s been very strong mail over the course of the last week that Mitchell Moses is the player they’ve got pencilled in for the NSW No. 7 jumper,” Fox League’s James Hooper said on Triple M.

Mitch Moses is firming as Nathan Cleary’s replacement. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

“That’s the way they went last time when Nathan Cleary sustained an injury. As long as he doesn’t get injured playing for Parramatta against the Bulldogs on Monday, I dare say that’s the way they’re going to lean at this point in time.”

“At this point in time, the word is they’ve settled on Mitchell as the most like for like replacement.

“They have a number of options. They believe Mitchell has the all-round game, He’s obviously got a great long kicking game.

“They think he held his gloves up in the one game he played a couple of years ago.”

Former NRL hardman James Graham said: “For me personally, Hynes is the more obvious choice.”

Hynes shocker huge blow to Origin chances

Nicho Hynes hasn’t helped his case, playing well below his best in Cronulla’s clash with the Melbourne Storm on Sunday, against Queensland stars Cameron Munster and Harry Grant.

Hynes missed a penalty kick that would have put the Sharks up 8-6.

Munster and co put on a clinic as the Storm led 34-6 at halftime, going on to win 54-10 in an absolutely thrashing.

No team has ever gone on to win the NRL premiership after conceding 50 points in a game that season.

C̶r̶o̶n̶u̶l̶l̶a̶

Put a line through them. No team has ever conceded 50 points in a match and recovered to win the premiership. #NRLStormSharks

— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) June 11, 2023

Nicho Hynes having a shocker. This is what happens when the @NSWBlues coach doesn’t publicly back his selected back-up half after the first-choice is ruled out if the series.

Trying too hard.

— Darren Walton (@DarrenWalton369) June 11, 2023

Hynes is having a Barry Crocker in the first half 🙈#NRLStormSharks

— The Cast Patrol (@thecastpatrol) June 11, 2023

Nicho Hynes had a shocker in his Origin audition. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Fox League’s Andrew Voss said: “Melbourne, they are killing the Sharks.”

Braith Anasta said: “It’s a massacre in Melbourne.”

Nathan Hindmarsh said on Fox League: “I think Nicho pushed a few passes early on and that shocked his confidence a bit.

“It looked to me as though he had Origin selection in the back of his mind. ‘What could be happening or what’s going to happen?’ And that took away the focus from his game.

“Nicho got picked in the Origin I side. He didn’t play the best in this game. But surely he’s going to get picked for Game II.”

Blues bolters emerge

NSW assistant Greg Alexander has confirmed the Blues are considering a bolter for Game II.

Alexander said on Fox League NSW were considering Cronulla’s Cam McInnes for a spot on the bench, while North Queensland’s Reece Robson was also being discussed, if the Blues opt for a hooker/utility on the bench.

Reece Robson is in the mix for NSW selection. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Cronulla’s Cam McInnes. Photo: NRL PHOTOS

Blues sweating on injuries

It’s not just the halfback selection Brad Fittler and NSW have to worry about.

The Blues are sweating on the fitness of Latrell Mitchell (calf), Cameron Murray (groin) and Liam Martin (concussion).

Martin was NSW’s best player in Game I but is in extreme doubt for Game II after sustaining a concussion in Penrith’s win over the Roosters on Saturday.

Liam Martin is in doubt for Origin II. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)

After a collision with Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Martin came off with category one concussion symptoms that will keep him sidelined for 11 days unless he can get clearance from an independent doctor.

NSW’s forward pack could be set for a shake-up, with Penrith’s Spencer Leniu in the mix for Game II.

Settled Queensland to make few changes

In contrast, Queensland’s squad is very settled, with only a couple of injuries forcing a reshuffle in the Maroons forward pack.

Tom Gilbert and Jai Arrow have been ruled out of the series, with Felise Kaufusi, Corey Horsburgh, Christian Welch and J’maine Hopgood in the mix for Game II.