Nicho Hynes has ticked a lot of boxes in his relatively short career. He’s won a premiership, with the Storm in 2020, won a Dally M Medal as the game’s best player and pulled on the blue jersey for NSW in State of Origin and the green and gold of the Kangaroos.
But his most lofty ambition may be off the field.
“I’m trying to evolve myself as much as I can, so I can be that voice for the fair-skinned Aboriginal man,” Hynes said.
When you think of the Indigenous All Stars, Latrell Mitchell and Josh Addo-Carr spring to mind, but Hynes is rapidly becoming one of the faces of the fixture, such is his commitment to learning about his Indigenous heritage. Hynes says he was not prepared for the profound impact his first All Stars camp two years ago would have on him.
Hynes, a Wiradyuri man, went as far to declare the All Stars as his favourite week of the year. It is a clear reminder ahead of Friday night’s All Stars game in Townsville why the influential pre-season game should remain a permanent fixture on the calendar.
“Since I first went into All Stars camp two years ago, it makes you take a good hard look at yourself, makes you think about who you want to be, who you want to become, and what you want to do for the next generation,” Hynes said. “It’s a no-brainer I want to learn more, and to show people how proud I am to be Aboriginal, especially my story where I’m a lighter-skinned Indigenous man.”
Nicho Hynes wants to “be that voice for the fair-skinned Aboriginal man”.Credit: Getty
Hynes’ mother, Julie, is Indigenous, while his father is white.
“This camp reminds you to not be scared about speaking up about who you are,” Hynes said. “I spent so many days of my life worrying about what people would think. I didn’t get brought up with my culture or language, and I was so nervous to talk about it in case I was questioned and I didn’t know the answers.
“I’ve left the last two Indigenous camps feeling seven-foot tall and as proud as punch about who I am, and hopefully knowing I’m making a difference to young people who were like me.”
The introduction of round zero in Las Vegas led to the Sydney Roosters asking whether their players would still be required for the All Stars clash. Their only trial before the American game is next Saturday, less than 24 hours after the All Stars clash.
Nicho Hynes and Kenny Bromwich pay respects after the All Stars pre-match displays.Credit: Getty
Hynes, like Indigenous All Stars coach Ronnie Griffiths, appreciates that the NRL clubs pay the players’ wages and want their stars available for 27 rounds, but said they would be doing them a disservice if they denied them a start in the fixture.
“I get it if players have niggling injuries, but if a player is fully fit, why deny them the chance to enjoy the best week of their lives,” Hynes said. “The clubs pay the bills, I get it, but it’s also a week for us to continue our learning and being around our kind. It’s hard to put into words how it makes you feel. I love the feeling I get from camp each year.
“The Maori boys feel the same way about it. This game is like an international because you represent your people. You can’t explain it unless you go there and do it.”
Hynes spent the week in training camp at Lennox Head on the NSW North Coast and had good reason to think the Sharks would be title contenders this year, despite quick exits from the finals the past two seasons. Cronulla had several chances to defeat a bashed-up Roosters in last year’s elimination final, including a late Hynes field goal attempt that was charged down.
“We’ve learned a hell of a lot the last two seasons,” he said. “We haven’t had a roster overhaul, and our connection is better than ever.
“We got 30 points put on us in both finals in 2022, and we should have beaten the Roosters last year. I had a field goal charged down, and I should have been better.
“This is my third full season at halfback, so I believe the sky is the limit. I should bring up 100 games this year. We’ve got six or seven players who also hit 100 games. The best is in front of us.”
Hynes made special mention of powerhouse prop Tuku Hau Tapuha, who made his debut for the Roosters, and was “someone to look out for” after an impressive summer in the Shire.
Indigenous All Stars and Maori All Stars
Indigenous All Stars (Men)
Josh Addo-Carr, Jacob Alick, Bailey Biondi-Odo, Bailey Butler, Josh Curran, Adam Elliott, Jordan Grant, J’maine Hopgood, Nicho Hynes, Josh Kerr, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Latrell Mitchell, Shaquai Mitchell, Kierran Moseley, Hohepa Puru, Kotoni Staggs, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Isaiah Tass, Braydon Trindall, Zac Fulton, Kyle Laybutt, Brian Kelly
Maori All Stars:
Jessie Arthars, Kenny Bromwich, Dane Gagai, Jacob Gagai, Jack Howarth, Jahrome Hughes, Royce Hunt, Te Maire Martin, Trey Mooney, Briton Nikora, Kodi Nikorima, Adam Pompey, Joseph Tapine, Jazz Tevaga, Leo Thompson, Matthew Timoko, Brandon Smith, Dylan Walker, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Xavier Willison
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