Hynes’ development impresses former teammate
MELBOURNE Storm star Jahrome Hughes believes former teammate and fellow playmaker Nicho Hynes has taken his game to another level since joining Cronulla.
Hynes and former Storm skipper Dale Finucane will return to AAMI Park on Saturday night for the first time in a Sharks jersey since leaving Melbourne.
Hynes was one of the NRL’S breakout stars last year after stepping into the fullback role after Ryan Papenhuyzen suffered a nasty concussion during Magic Round in May.
Relegated to the bench upon Papenhuyzen’s return,
Hynes is relishing his starting halfback role at the Sharks, who have won four of their opening five matches.
“He’s done well and he obviously took that opportunity,” Hughes said.
“He didn’t know if he was going to be a starter here and he got the opportunity to start at the Sharks and he’s taking it with two hands.
“We always knew he was going to be a good player, he just needed the opportunity to start and he’s shown how good he is.”
Hughes said it would feel strange going up against two good friends.
“I reckon they’ve been one of the best teams in the comp at the moment and they’ve started well,” he said.
“I feel like Dale and Nicho have given them a lot of confidence and they’re flying at the moment, so it’s going to be a tough one but we’re looking forward to it It’s going to be weird (playing against Hynes and Finucane).
“Having those guys at the club for so long and they’re really good blokes and I really get on with both of them, but I’m not talking to them this week.”
The Storm halfback said he expected both players to be treated favourably by the Melbourne crowd.
“They’ve been great for this club and they’re great people as well, so I think the fans will give them a good reception,” he said. “But hopefully during the game they can get stuck into them.”
Both the Storm and Sharks will be hoping to stay entrenched in the NRL’S top four.