Sharks urged to move Hynes after $1m man falls flat

Andrew Johns has sparked debate by calling for Cronulla star Nicho Hynes to be shifted out of the No.7 jersey and into the No.6 role next season.

Johns believes Hynes is a naturally instinctive runner rather than a traditional game-managing halfback, arguing that a move to five-eighth would free him up and ease the pressure he carries as the club’s marquee million-dollar player.

Nicho Hynes on the sideline after being knocked out. Getty Images

Cronulla once again made the second week of NRL finals but were bundled out of the premiership race by the Roosters on Saturday night.

Hynes was knocked out of the contest in the opening minutes and had to watch on from the bench.

But even when he played in the weeks prior, Johns noted Hynes struggled to lead the team in the absence of superstar halves partner Braydon Trindall, who carried a shoulder injury into the finals.

Now the eighth Immortal wants coach Craig Fitzgibbon to pull the trigger and switch their jerseys before next season starts.

“I think the first thing next year is Trindall’s got to put the seven on, and Nicho’s got to put the six on,” Johns said on Nine’s 100% Footy.

“He’s there for another three years… this year they’ve been playing that way. Trindall’s been the on-ball halfback.

“I just think psychologically, just changing the number (will help Hynes).”

John made similar comments after Cronulla’s shock 38-18 loss to Parramatta in round 26, saying “when you’re the highest paid player, you own the result, especially if you wear the seven on your back. With that money comes responsibility”.

With Trindall missing from that game, Hynes was outshone by rookie teammate Niwhai Puru, who is now heading to the Perth Bears.

Sharks legend Paul Gallen agreed with Johns on Monday, backing the idea that Trindall already operates as the team’s dominant organiser.

“Trindall steers the team around the park; he’s more of the seven on-ball play,” Gallen said.

Braydon Trindall is the better halfback. NRL Imagery/Brett Costello

“Nicho’s a great runner of the ball. He played fullback at Melbourne Storm and did a great job.”

The suggested jersey swap would not dramatically alter the Cronulla team structure, with Hynes and Trindall already playing in the roles Johns is proposing.

But Johns believes the subtle change could lift pressure off Hynes’ shoulders and allow him to return to his most dynamic, instinctive style of play that saw him win a Dally M Medal in 2022.