With his coronation as NSW halfback almost complete, Nicho Hynes says the lessons of the past two years – including being dropped by Brad Fittler following a costly mistake on debut for Blues – has him steeled for the State of Origin blowtorch.
Fresh from leading the Sharks to a stunning win over the Roosters during Magic Round, Hynes is on the cusp of his first run-on appearance for the Blues due to his stellar form and injuries to Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses.
Hynes admitted it was a small risk to play in Brisbane after barely training during the week with a minor calf strain, but he only needs to survive 80 minutes against the Panthers next week to win his second Origin cap.
His first game came as an interchange player in Adelaide last year, when he was forced out of position and was part of a crucial missed tackle on Cameron Munster, which inspired one of the most unlikely comeback wins in Origin history.
“I’ve learnt a helluva lot,” Hynes said. “I’ve had to eat shit and learn from it the last couple of years.
“It put me in a position to be where I am now and perform for this club, this team … I wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for my teammates and club and the lessons I’ve learned.
Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes greets fans at Magic Round.Credit: Getty
“There’s going to be people saying I’m not the man for the job, there will be people saying I am the man for the job. Right now, I’ve got to focus on getting this calf as good as it can be for the Panthers [game next Saturday].
“If I’m ready, the coaching staff will pick me.”
It appears his time is now, with Michael Maguire also facing a huge decision at five-eighth, with Roosters veteran Luke Keary considered to still be in the frame despite announcing he will retire at the end of the season.
The Blues have already lost Cleary and Tom Trbojevic to series-ending injuries, while Cameron Murray will struggle to feature at all with a hip flexor problem.
Bradman Best, who was gunning for a centre spot after his star turn in last year’s game three, is also in extreme doubt after hurting his hamstring during Magic Round. Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien described the issue as only minor.
The Knights have the bye this week and Maguire wants his new team to hit the ground running in training before the series opener in Sydney on June 5, hence Moses’ odds lengthening given he hasn’t returned from a broken foot yet.
Asked how close he was to missing a second straight NRL match, Hynes said: “I was in doubt, for sure.
“When you get a little calf strain, it’s always a risk pushing it too early. Clinically, with sometimes how many days it takes to recover, I’m not too sure. It felt good in the test and the training session I did do,” he said.
“It’s always a risk when you’ve got a strain in an annoying area. I just felt like the team needed me [on Saturday night] and the club needed me so we could put on a performance.”
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