- Sharks star Nicho Hynes admits struggling growing up
- Runner is powering Cronulla’s inaugural mental fitness round
- He says changing lives feels better than scoring a try
Cronulla Sharks superstar Nicho Hynes has opened up about his mental anguish growing up and his new mission to give back and save lives.
Hynes endured a difficult childhood: his parents separated when he was a young child and then his stepfather lost his life in a truck accident when he fell asleep at the wheel.
With his mother in and out of prison, Nicho lived with his father Mick Wilson and brother Wade and, at times, his mental health suffered and he fell into a depressive state.
“It was 2017 and I was a shell of myself,” Hynes said. news corporation.
‘I didn’t know where I would ever be. I had no idea about life.’
Nicho Hynes (pictured) says he sometimes had mental problems growing up
Sharks star launches Mental Fitness Roundup on Sunday to raise awareness
Today, the talented halfback is on top of his game and excited to lead Cronulla’s inaugural Mental Fitness Round, launching against the Dragons on Sunday.
“I’ve been a big advocate over the last few years with my story and talking about mental health, I’ve talked about it out loud a lot, so I need to move on,” he said.
‘I felt like if I’m going to be someone who stands up for him and speaks out, then I have to do something about it.
‘There’s no better feeling than seeing a little child or someone message me to tell me I’ve changed their life.
—I don’t want to sound arrogant at all. But that’s better than scoring a try in any football match.
‘Sometimes we can forget the impact we can have on people.
“Off the field is where I would like to leave a mark, it is difficult to put it into words and how it makes me feel when someone tells me that I have been able to do that.”
Hynes says he’s also paying more attention to his teammates to see if they’re having problems.
Hynes (pictured with his mother) says helping young people is better than saving lives
“As a professional rugby league player, there are so many different angles and pressures that a lot of people don’t see,” he said.
“I’ll keep an eye out for when one of the players walks through the door, they might not have as much energy as they usually do or they might not have a smile on their face that day.”
“I think there are a lot of guys watching that player, even before I get to him.”
