- Sharks running back missed key conversion in two-point loss
- Many football fans question Nicho Hynes’ poise under pressure
- Hynes may lose his NSW Origin place to Eels star Mitch Moses
Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon is convinced Nicho Hynes should not be the scapegoat for his team’s 30-28 loss to the Dolphins on Thursday, even though the running back missed a conversion after the siren which would have sent the contest to extra time.
Hynes, 27, needed a big performance to keep his Origin selection hopes alive for NSW ahead of the second match on June 26 in Melbourne, but he failed to capitalize on his decisive moment.
“It’s unfair to put (the loss) on a goal kicker when we gave up 22 points in the first half,” Fitzgibbon said after the game.
“The answer (to the loss) is in our defensive line in the first half.”
In the eyes of many football fans, Hynes often crumbles under pressure, and that was again the consensus on social media.
Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon is convinced Nicho Hynes should not be the scapegoat for his team’s 30-28 loss to the Dolphins on Thursday.
It comes despite Hynes missing a conversion after the siren that would have sent the match into extra time at Sydney’s PointsBet Stadium.
“You knew Hynes the myth would choke on that kick,” raged one online fan.
Another posted: “I’m a Sharks fan and I even think Mitch Moses should be the Blues running back for game two.”
It wasn’t all negative, with a third fan backing Hynes: “Honestly, for any kicker, that would have been tough… Nicho was 45-48 before the ruling, and 25-25 at home.”
Meanwhile, Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett compared Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to Broncos legend Steve Renouf when it comes to naturally talented athletes he has worked closely with.
It followed the fullback scoring a brilliant 95-metre try in which he beat countless defenders with ease before crossing the line unscathed.
“I’d say it’s in the top two or three (tries) I’ve ever seen, Steve Renouf scored a try I’ll never forget and I’ll never forget this one either,” Bennett said.
‘We are very lucky to have Hamiso. ‘Steve Renouf, everyone forgets about him… he had those special gifts that only the special ones have.
“Him and Hammer would be the two players I’ve coached who have the absolute magic to get to the tryline and create that moment.”