Why Nicho Hynes wants to end his NRL career at Cronulla

By: Darren Walton Time published 2023-02-28 at 03:33 AM (GMT +11:00)

Dally M Medallist Nicho Hynes has outlined his passionate plan to stay at Cronulla for the rest of his NRL career and what's driving the pin-up playmaker.

NICHO HYNES of the Storm evades the tackle during the NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
NICHO HYNES of the Storm evades the tackle during the NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

NRL superstar Nicho Hynes has detailed why he's hell bent on being at Cronulla for life and why he wants the Sharks board to keep his teammates in The Shire too.

Speaking for the first time since the Sharks revealed their hopes to have Hynes play out the rest of his career at the club, the 2022 Dally M Medallist declared the love mutual as he eyes a coveted premiership.

Hynes is locked up until at least the 2025 season but the 26-year-old wants to stay well beyond then after Cronulla this month extended coach Craig Fitzgibbon's contract until the end of 2027.

"Look, I love this place and I've made it really clear I love this place. I started my career at the Sharks under Fitzy and he just re-signed and I'd love to finish my career under Fitzy," Hynes said ahead of Cronulla's season opener against South Sydney on Saturday night.

"I can't see myself pulling on another jersey at the moment."

The Sharks finished the last regular season second behind only premiers Penrith following Hynes' arrival from Melbourne and Fitzgibbon's after a lengthy apprenticeship at the Sydney Roosters.

Hynes can sense something special in the offing.

"I'd like to keep this whole playing group together. We're building something nice and it's pretty special to rock up to training every day with this group who all have a common goal, which is to win a premiership," he said.

"Look at the Penrith Panthers, who have kept their team together for an extended period of time.

"The Melbourne Storm, they kept their team together. The Roosters, when they win a competition, they all keep their team together.

"So that's what I want to do. I want to keep this team together as much as possible and win a premiership. That's every rugby league player's dream: to win a premiership and I want to do that.

"If I have to re-sign to do that, then 100 per cent I will. Yeah, I love this place. I love the fans, the beach. It's me and why wouldn't I?"

Hynes is in some doubt for round one with a calf strain but hopes to be given until Saturday to prove his fitness to face the Rabbitohs, who ended the Sharks' 2022 season in last year's semi-finals.