Nicho Hynes in huge boost for Sharks as Cronulla look to take down Panthers and Storm
The star halfback could return as early as next week for the Sharks.
The Sharks are hopeful Nicho Hynes will be ready to return as early as next week as they look to clinch a crucial top-four spot. Cronulla will be looking to strengthen their grip on their place in the top four when they take on local rivals St George Illawarra on Sunday before finishing the regular season against the Warriors and Sea Eagles.
The Sharks survived a scare last weekend to defeat the Knights in golden point to maintain their two-point lead over fifth-place Canterbury. Such is the tight nature of the competition, Craig Fitzgibbon's men are level on points with the third-placed Roosters and only two points behind the Panthers. And if they can win their final three matches, there is a chance they could have a home final against either the Panthers or Roosters.
The Sharks went out in straight sets in 2022 after finishing the regular season in second place, before losing at home to the Sydney Roosters in an elimination final in 2023. But Cronulla are hopeful the looming return of halves Hynes and Braydon Trindall will enhance, rather than disrupt, a winning formula in the run to the finals and can help spur them onto a grand final in 2024.
Trindall is expected to start in Sunday's clash after he missed the last two weeks with a hamstring injury. While Hynes underwent surgery ahead of their round 19 match against the Wests Tigers after scans revealed a fractured ankle and complete rupture of the syndesmosis ligament sustained in training. The prognosis then was that the 2022 Dally M Medallist would miss at least eight weeks but is back a week ahead of schedule, kicking the ball with teammates on Wednesday before training on his own, in a huge boost for the Sharks.
The star halfback could potentially be selected in Cronulla's round 26 match against the Warriors. But the side could err on the side of caution and wait a week until their final regular-season clash against Manly. He is expected to return to full training with the team next week and Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo says jist having him back in the fold has been great for morale.
"He's been around the boys, so it's been good for us off the field. He's a massive part of our team, so to have him out there gives us confidence," Mulitalo said. "It's good for the morale. Just really happy for him where he's at off the field, and really looking forward to his return."
The race for the NRL top four heats up
As many as seven different teams could finish in the NRL's top four as sides desperately try to secure a crucial double chance in the finals. Only three competition points separate the third-placed Sydney Roosters from sixth-placed Manly on the ladder with just three rounds to play.
While seventh-placed North Queensland - who are on the bye this weekend - are also still in with a chance to finish top four as they are currently only four points adrift of the top four. Penrith's 24-22 loss to probable minor premiers Melbourne has also seen the triple reigning premiers drop two points closer to the pack. It has also opened up the possibility of the Roosters or fourth-placed Cronulla finishing top two.
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A top-four spot has long been crucial for NRL teams' chances of winning it all. No side has ever won the premiership after finishing outside the top four in the NRL era, with 1995's Canterbury the last team to achieve the feat.
As for a place in the top eight, the Bulldogs, Cowboys and Sea Eagles will likely hold their spots, with the battle for eighth the one hanging in the balance. The Dragons climbed back into a finals spot after a 32-16 defeat over Gold Coast relegating the Dolphins to ninth.
Newcastle and Canberra's respective losses were major blows to their finals hopes as neither side is now able to finish with a winning record and would need other results to fall their way if they are to sneak into the finals. St George Illawarra sit two points ahead of the Dolphins who have a much better for and against. They have a tough run home, however, with games against Melbourne, Brisbane and Newcastle to finish the season. While the Dragons face the Sharks, Eels and Raiders.
with AAP
