Cronulla chair Steve Mace claims Nicho Hynes is a victim of Australia’s ‘tall poppy syndrome’

Cronulla chair Steve Mace has launched a stunning defence of Sharks star Nicho Hynes, claiming the $1 million-a-year playmaker is a victim of Australia’s “tall poppy syndrome”.

Fed-up Cronulla chairman Steve Mace claims Nicho Hynes is a victim of “tall poppy syndrome” and says criticism of the Sharks superstar is “narrow minded” and “borderline un-Australian”.

The former Dally M winner has endured constant scrutiny over the past two years with numerous critics claiming he fails to nail the big moments. But Mace says the commentary has gone too far, saying: “If Nicho was your family member, how would you feel?”

Mace’s comments come as Hynes and his Sharks prepare for Thursday night’s big game

against Canberra at GIO Stadium, and critics have increased their scrutiny after Hynes lost his chief playmaker role to Braydon Trindall late last year and for the opening rounds of this season.

“I think the criticism is ­narrow-minded and borderline un-Australian,” Mace said.

“You can’t be a superstar all day, every day on the field. He’s still a human being. People have to get off his back.

Nicho Hynes. Picture: Brett Costello/NRL Images

Sharks chair Steve Mace. Sharks Digital

“It’s Australia’s tall poppy syndrome. There is this ‘let’s bring down who’s at the top’ mentality, a natural (obsession) of bringing down anyone who sits at the top.

“If it (the criticism) was said in the workplace, in another environment, or even among your peers, you’d be absolutely raked over the coals, the way some people carry on.

“Remember, these players are people. If Nicho was your family member, how would you feel?

“I don’t understand people who think it’s acceptable ­behaviour.

“It’s borderline un-Australian. If you call yourself a Sharks fan, then support your players, team and club. Why are we bringing the game down? Let’s remove the negativity from the game.

“If you’re an NRL fan, then support the game as a whole. Players are part of a game that the fans are entrenched in.”

After his side’s win over North Queensland in round 2, Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon was again pressed about the Hynes doubters.

“Honestly, it’s getting a bit weird,” Fitzgibbon said.

Hynes, 28, remains a pivotal part of a Cronulla side that is eyeing a top-four finish.

“I know Nicho has to get out there and play footy but he is doing what the coach is asking him to do and to be part of a team,” Mace said.

“We don’t want a superstar. We want someone to do their job, so if the coach is happy, then get off his back. It’s that simple.

“At the end of the day, Nicho is an amazing human being. He will do anything for anyone. He would give you the shirt off his back.

“Nicho is still relatively young and he and ‘Tricky’ (Trindall) will get into their groove and get it done.”

After Cronulla’s loss to Canterbury last weekend, Immortal Andrew Johns said he had “no idea” how to get Hynes back to his best.

“When the game was on the line, (I) sort of didn’t see Nicho the last 10 to 15 minutes … I ­really have no idea how to rebuild it,” Johns told Nine.

“Compare a couple of years ago … to where he is now, I don’t know how you build back up to when he was the best player in the comp.”

Hynes will line up on Thursday evening against Canberra halfback Jamal Fogarty, who has been linked with a move to Manly as a replacement for Daly Cherry-Evans.

Originally published as Cronulla chair Steve Mace claims Nicho Hynes is a victim of Australia’s ‘tall poppy syndrome’