Syed Talib
Updated on: October 12, 2024 10:35 am GMT
As the pressure mounts on Rugby League player Nicho Hynes, he opens up about the scrutiny he faces following disappointing finals performances. After another tough loss for the Cronulla Sharks, Hynes reflects on criticism and his determination to improve as he confronts his big-game legacy.
Recent Struggles in the Finals
Nicho Hynes is no stranger to the spotlight. However, the spotlight has grown harsher after a recent 37-10 defeat to the Melbourne Storm, marking the Sharks’ fourth consecutive finals loss during his tenure as halfback. This latest setback led to significant discussions regarding Hynes’ future in the Sharks’ lineup, with some calling for him to be benched.
Prominent figures in the sport, including former Kangaroos Test player Greg Alexander, have voiced their concerns. Although Hynes admitted he had not heard Alexander’s comments, he defended his position. “I feel halfback is my long-term position,” he emphasized during a recent interview.
The Weight of Expectations
Despite his confidence, Hynes acknowledged the lingering stigma that might follow him throughout his career. “It’s a tag that will forever be there for the rest of my career,” he stated regarding the perception of not performing in crucial matches.
His history in finals matches weighs heavily on him:
- 2022: Knocked out in straight sets.
- Last year’s finals: Eliminated in the first week.
- Recent match against Melbourne: Suffered a crushing defeat.
“I think they had 73 percent possession and completed 44 of 46 sets; we had 12 errors,” he explained, highlighting team issues beyond just his performance.
Taking Responsibility
Hynes is not one to shy away from accountability. He recognized that his performance in the recent match could have been better. “That’s one where I probably needed to be better and I’ll own that performance,” he admitted.
He identified a significant error—failing to find touch from a penalty in the first half. Reflecting on it, he stated, “That’s probably the one thing that I can look back on and think that’s where I made an error.” He also mentioned a missed opportunity during gameplay, indicating he could have made a different decision that might have changed the outcome.
Managing Criticism and Pressure
In an age where social media amplifies both praise and criticism, Hynes decided to take a step back. He has deleted his social media accounts, seeking to reduce the noise that often comes with public scrutiny. “I don’t want to go on [social media] and search for someone to talk negative about me or positive. It’s just pointless,” Hynes remarked.
He understands that this scrutiny comes with the territory of professional sports. “It comes with the job, it comes with the profile,” he noted, choosing to focus on positivity instead of negativity from critics.
Focusing on Personal Growth
Hynes emphasizes the importance of mental well-being in the face of scrutiny. “All I try and do is wake up every day happy and try and make a positive impact on people’s lives and play some good footy,” he shared.
He remains committed to controlling what he can, focusing on his performance and overall team dynamics rather than outside chatter. This mental fortitude is essential as he prepares for future matches and aims to change the narrative surrounding his career.
Moving Forward
As the Rugby League season progresses, Hynes is determined to improve and silence critics. He knows that back-to-back losses, especially in finals, can be a heavy burden for any player. Nevertheless, he believes in his abilities and the importance of teamwork.
The Sharks need to regroup and reassess their strategies going into the next match, and Hynes is committed to being part of that solution. He expressed his desire for growth, stating, “I think we can get better as a team. We can look at areas where we can improve our game.”
Hynes is determined to make a great impression in his upcoming finals. He believes that staying strong and positive will help him show that hard work and dedication really matter in professional Rugby League.
