Cronulla will enter into their qualifying final against Melbourne confident of snapping their losing streak in finals under Craig Fitzgibbon.
The Sharks went out in straight sets during the coach’s first year in charge, before being knocked out in an elimination final last year due to a Sam Walker field goal.
They responded to that disappointment with their second finish inside the top-four in three seasons, with Nicho Hynes citing a great away record as a lynchpin of their campaign.
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Cronulla halfback Nicho Hynes pays tribute to Storm
"Our midweek preparation has been the best it’s ever been this year," Hynes declared after the Sharks claimed eight wins in 12 matches away from the Shire.
"We may have gotten that wrong in the last couple of seasons with our preparation and especially on away trips."
One of those wins came against Saturday afternoon’s opponents when the Sharks knocked off the Storm 25-18 in a Round 10 upset.
Hynes was absent for that victory due to injury with Daniel Atkinson stepping up and nailing a field goal to seal the win at AAMI Park.
The duo both started their NRL careers under Craig Bellamy’s watch before finding success at Cronulla.
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And Hynes admitted that despite departing in 2021, he still held fond memories of the club as he prepares to try and topple the minor premiers in their own backyard.
"I’ve still got some really good mates there and I’ve been to a couple of their weddings and maybe more to come," Hynes said as he eyes a preliminary final spot.
"I love them - they are the club that built me into the player I am. I’ll always pay my respects to Melbourne.
"They’re an experienced club with an experienced coach, who’ve been there and done it all before many times.
"But this week I’m a Shark and I’ve been a Shark for a long time now, so it’s about putting a big performance in."
