NRL star signs huge deal until end of 2029

Cronulla Sharks have tied down the 2022 Dally M Medallist Nicho Hynes on a long-term deal that will see him stay with the NRL club until at least the end of 2029. 

The 26-year-old was under contract with the Sharks until the end of next season, but he has now put pen to paper on a five-year contract extension.

Hynes said: “It’s pretty surreal, it hasn’t sunk in yet.

“I never thought I’d sign a long term-contract in the NRL, one that’s hopefully going to set up my life and my family as well.

“I’m happy it’s done and now I can focus on playing some good footy and to win some games with this club with the ultimate goal of winning a Premiership.

“Loyalty is a big value of mine and this club and Fitzy (Craig Fitzgibbon, coach) gave me an opportunity to be a starting player. This whole town, whole community has welcomed me and I can never picture putting on another jersey.”

New contract a reward for Nicho Hynes

The Australian half-back or full-back was voted the Dally M Player of the Year in 2022, accumulating the highest points tally in the award’s 43-year history.

Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon said: “This new contract is reward for Nicho’s hard work, which has certainly paid off, but I have no doubt he’s got more to come.

“His stature in the game is rising by the way he carries himself and his performances to date are in line with that.

“I’m looking forward to watching him develop and continue to improve and to Nicho performing at a consistently high level as a Shark into the future.”

“Nicho loves the club”

Hynes made his NRL debut for Melbourne in 2019. He scored 10 tries and kicked 62 goals in 36 appearances for the Storm before moving to Cronulla ahead of the 2022 campaign.

The Indigenous All Stars representative has played 27 games to date for the Sharks, scoring six tries and kicking 93 goals.

Cronulla chairman Steve Mace said: “Having recently extended Craig as well was a big contributor to his decision and to now have Nicho and the coach on board long term is a huge positive for the NRL team and our club.

“The negotiations were very collaborative between Nicho, his management and the Sharks, with the best interests of all parties, for now and for the future, always paramount in the discussions.

“Nicho loves the club, has fit seamlessly into Cronulla and the Sutherland Shire and enjoys the lifestyle the area offers.

“But further to that, Nicho has chosen to sign this extension without going to market, with a view to keeping this team together, but also in an indication that he believes in what the club is building on and off the field.

Hynes is the latest player to sign a new deal with the Sharks, with the likes of Jesse Ramien, Siosifa Talakai, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Sione Katoa recently committing their futures to the club.

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