NRL 2024: Nicho Hynes struggles as Dolphins win 30-28 over Cronulla Sharks

Nicho Hynes’ hopes of retaining his Blues jersey have suffered a blow as the Sharks fell short against the Dolphins, after Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow produced a stunning solo try.

Nicho Hynes’s hopes of retaining his NSW Blues jersey have suffered a blow, as the Sharks fell short against the Dolphins. Picture: Getty Images

Rugby league script writers teased Nicho Hynes with what would have been one of the defining moments of his career, but like all dramas these days, they produced one cruel plot twist to potentially steal away his most treasured possession.

Hynes’ hopes of retaining his Blues jersey suffered a hammer blow as the Sharks blew the chance to go to the top of the table after they fell victim to one of the greatest solo tries you will ever see from Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

The 30-28 loss at home continues Cronulla’s topsy-turvy run of form, with Hynes missing a sideline conversion after the siren in his final audition before the teams for game two are announced.

Nicho Hynes’s hopes of retaining his NSW Blues jersey have suffered a blow, as the Sharks fell short against the Dolphins. Picture: Getty Images

After his side fought back from a massive first-half deficit, Hynes had the chance to be the hero when Sione Katoa crossed in the final minute to cut the margin to two points, but the most accurate kicker this year hooked his attempt to the right and it never swung back for just his fourth miss of the season.

The halfback struggled to shine in the series opener after finally winning a starting spot for NSW, with the attack always going to be an issue with just 12 men for 72 minutes.

It’s why Parramatta’s Mitch Moses is tipped to steal the No.7 jersey for the must-win match in Melbourne, with Hynes failing to take control on Thursday night as his side missed the kick and found themselves 22-0 down after 25 minutes.

One of the biggest kicks of his season and Nicho Hynes just couldn't slot the conversion. 😩

Dolphins get the W!

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🔢 MATCH CENTREhttps://t.co/va6Hj0lyRjpic.twitter.com/rhX9qbT2zh

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) June 13, 2024

Hynes laid on a nice ball for Royce Hunt to crash over to get them on the board, but he was barely sighted after that, with the chief playmaker throwing a poor ball to Briton Nikora who dropped it when they were chasing the lead late on.

All he can do now is sit and wait for his name to be read out, with Hynes desperate for one more chance to save the series.

Hynes also missed a crucial tackle early that led to a Herbie Farnworth try. Picture: Getty Images

HAMMER TIME

Bulls fire up whenever they see red, and the colour blue seems to have a similar effect on Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow who treated the Sharks like they were NSW with a contender for try of the season.

After he was fended off by Will Kennedy for a try that gave the hosts the lead, the Dolphins fullback woke from his slumber and silenced the home fans with a 99-metre stunner that few players in the NRL could have scored.

THE HAMMER GOES THE WHOLE WAY. 🤯🤯🤯

That is just insane...

📺 Watch #NRLSharksDolphins on ch.502 or stream on Kayo: https://t.co/B1ijnGY1g8
✍️ BLOG https://t.co/fS4OEazQWQ
🔢 MATCH CENTRE https://t.co/va6Hj0m6GRpic.twitter.com/AWMKlZYlDo

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) June 13, 2024

A week after he blitzed the Blues with a hat-trick, ‘the Hammer’ saved his best for the Shire as he caught a kick near his own line, ran backwards and then plotted his path through the teeth of the defence before he toyed with Kennedy who couldn’t reel him in.

It was the spark the Dolphins desperately needed after they squandered a 22-0 lead to trail 24-22 approaching the final quarter of the contest.

Herbie Farnworth was enormous for the visitors who picked up their first ever win in Sydney in what was their first trip to the Harbour City this season to solidify their spot in the top four.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow wove inbetween Sharks defenders to score on of the best solo tries of the season. Picture: Getty Images

TIPPING POINT

Blues hopeful Jesse Ramien was placed on report in the first half for a lifting tackle on Farnworth but is unlikely to be charged by the match review committee.

The incident barely warranted a penalty, although Ramien missed his chance to push for an Origin debut after he was outplayed by his Dolphins counterpart on Thursday night.

But the Sharks have bigger things to worry about with their defence falling apart again in the first half just as it did against the Panthers a few weeks ago.

Their bench almost saved them, but it wasn’t enough going into next week’s bye.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Nicho Hynes struggles as Dolphins win 30-28 over Cronulla Sharks