Hynes 'in the frame' for Origin after masterclass
The Canberra Raiders have been suffocated by a ruthless Cronulla Sharks side, in what was a disappointing outcome for Ricky Stuart’s 500th NRL game as coach.
The Sharks asserted their dominance earlier in the match, taking advantage of the Raiders’ young backline, with the club playing without a large portion of its spine.
Two of Cronulla’s tries came via forwards breaking through the Raiders lazy defence, sealing a masterclass 40-0 victory at GIO Stadium.
AS IT HAPPENED: NRL round eight Sunday
Nicho Hynes celebrates a try with his Sharks teammates.
Trailing by 18 into half-time, the Sharks faced very little contest as the home side offered minimal opportunities to break out of their half.
Ethan Strange lifted the hopes of Raiders fans early in the second half etching close to the line but was stopped by an unreal defensive tackle from Cronulla fullback Will Kennedy, denying the club of any points.
“That’s cruel,” Brad Fittler said on Nine.
The tackle was followed by some brilliant playmaking by Nicho Hynes, who caught out a sleepy Xavier Savage with a 40/20 before scoring to pile on the points.
“He’s gotten that bored he’s just let it go… literally, he’s been put to sleep,” league legend Brad Fittler said on Nine.
“He was sleepwalking when the ball went past him.”
Hynes continued to plead his case to be named in the Blues’ Origin side, setting up the final three tries and nailing all but one of the side’s conversions.
“Nicho was great, one try, one line break, two try assists,” formed Sharks captain Paul Gallen said.
“What was great for me was 22 runs for 60-something metres, for a halfback that’s absolutely fantastic and puts him right in the frame to be the Origin five-eighth.”
Canberra Raiders prop Josh Papalii spoke of his disappointment after the side failed to perform for coach Stuart’s milestone match.
“It always hurts when you’ve come out and try and make milestones a special thing,” he said on Nine’s coverage.
“I’m a bit lost for words at the moment, my own performance included, we just need to be better.”