Cronulla halfback Nicho Hynes has undoubtedly struggled in the second-half of the season, with one NRL legend suggesting a potential positional switch could help turn the side around heading into the finals.
The reigning Dally M Medal winner has gone through a major form slump since being dumped by the NSW Blues following his difficult State of Origin debut, with the Sharks recording three wins from their past eight games.
Hynes isn't the only player who has had a tough stretch, with halves partner Matt Moylan axed from the side as Craig Fitzgibbon looks to turn things around with just over a month remaining in the regular season.
But given the big-money extension and No.7 jumper associated with Hynes, the majority of the pressure following their recent results is falling on his shoulders.
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Could Nicho Hynes move to fullback for Cronulla Sharks?
Will Kennedy's hamstring injury and Kade Dykes' continued absence have left Cronulla in a tricky spot in the No.1 jumper, with backline utility Connor Tracey set to fill the role in a crucial Round 23 clash with the Rabbitohs.
On the latest episode of The Billy Slater Podcast, the current Queensland coach and legendary fullback suggested the 27-year-old could revert to a position he played during his time with the Melbourne Storm.
“I truly believe that [he should move there]… it’s desperate times for the Sharks," Slater said.
"With Will Kennedy going down, I think you need to change it up and I’d be putting Nicho Hynes back to fullback. We know what type of fullback he is, he’s a star fullback.
"He’s going to contribute to the team as much, if not more than what he is at halfback. He doesn’t have to make as many tackles and he’s gonna be fresher in attack.
"I’d be bringing Matt Moylan back in to partner young [Braydon] Trindall in the halves, I’d be putting Nicho Hynes back at fullback and you’ve still got a first-class spine with young [Blayke] Brailey at dummy-half.
"The other thing I would change is let go of your defence –we know that’s what is hurting the club at the moment – but the Sharks on their day are as good of an attacking team as anyone in the competition.
"Let’s charge to the finals in an attacking manner and let’s see if we can win the competition in a different way. They’re in a bit of a hole at the moment… but I feel their strength is their attack and they can attack their way out of it."
Hynes burst onto the scene as a fullback with Melbourne, before being picked up by the Sharks and moving into the No.7 jumper where he played a lot of his junior football.
Elsewhere in the backline, rookie speedsters Kayal Iro and Sam Stonestreet are both begging for an opportunity in NSW Cup, while back-up spine players Daniel Atkinson and Niwhai Puru could also factor into selection discussions.
Nicho Hynes 2023 NRL stats
| Games | 16 |
| Tries | 4 |
| Try Assists | 20 |
| Linebreak Assists | 27 |
| Offloads | 19 |
| Avg. Run Metres | 144m |
| Avg. Kick Metres | 424m |
| Forced Dropouts | 9 |
| Avg. Tackles | 18 |
| Tackle Efficiency | 92% |
Cronulla Sharks 2023 NRL run home
- Round 23 vs South Sydney Rabbitohs @ Optus Stadium, Perth
- Round 24 vs Gold Coast Titans @ Shark Park, Sydney
- Round 25 vs North Queensland Cowboys @ QCB Stadium, Townsville
- Round 26 vs Newcastle Knights @ McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
- Round 27 vs Canberra Raiders @ Shark Park, Sydney
