The Cronulla Sharks halfback has praised his former teammate in a tough week for the Melbourne Storm star.
Nicho Hynes has revealed his try celebration against the Dolphins on Friday night was dedicated to his friend and former teammate Cameron Munster who is dealing with the death of his father. Munster bravely led Queensland out on the field and to victory in Sydney after the tragic death of his father Steven last weekend.
Munster left State of Origin camp to be with his family earlier in the week, but returned for the captain’s run. And the newly appointed Queensland captain was instrumental in leading his side to a historic Game 3 win.
And Hynes has dedicated his performance to his former teammate. The Cronulla Sharks halfback had Steven written on his wristband and was able to dedicate a celebratory dance for his friend after scoring a try.
I’ve just been thinking about him a lot,” Hynes said after the game. “I’ve been talking to my girlfriend about it. It’s like, that could have been me. That could be anyone waking up without their dad or a parent.
“I’m sending lots of love to his family. I just remember after games at Melbourne, seeing his old man and old lady in the sheds. Always smiling and happy. It touched me a lot, big time.”
Nicho Hynes praises ‘idol’ Cameron Munster
Hynes played with Munster from 2019 to 2021 during his time at the Storm. Hynes was playing as a utility and fullback at that stage and credited his development to his friend who invited him into his home.
In my first pre-season there I was a nobody. I was literally there on a train-and-trial deal and he didn’t have to give me any time of day,” Hynes said. “But he ended up having me at his house for a couple of weeks and whenever he wanted to go for a feed, he’d ask me to go for a feed.
“He was just someone who was so nice and caring and wanted to help out and make me better. I looked up to him. I’ve looked up to him ever since I met him. He’s just someone I idolise. Even now, seeing the way he’s handled it and went out and performed the other night, I don’t think I’ve seen and played with a better rugby league player live.”
Munster is sitting out this weekend to be with his family, while Hynes already put in arguably one of his best performances of the season. The halfback crossed for two tries, had two line breaks and one try assist in his team’s 24-12 win over the Dolphins.
Hynes has been heavily criticised in recent weeks with the Sharks losing to the Broncos and Storm in recent weeks. But their latest win sees them momentarily jump back into the top eight.
