Hynes talks family heartbreak as fitness and contract call looms

Nicho Hynes hopes his recent handling of a delicate family situation can help inspire young kids as the Dally M medal winner races the clock for Round 1 and eyes off a contract extension at the Sharks. 

Hynes has ensured an off-season of personal turmoil with his mother Julie found guilty of a heroin supply charge in the same week her son was preparing to represent the Indigenous All Stars in Rotorua earlier this month. 

The 26-year-old said on Monday he was almost withdrawn by Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon from the match but chose to play on through the adversity, where he produced a player of the match performance. 

Hynes has been open about his challenging childhood in the past but said he was currently going through "the toughest time of my life".

"Especially the way it’s been spoken about in the media and seeing my mum being dragged through the media and the way people react to it," Hynes said. 

"It’s hard… I’m dealing with it the best I can and putting things in place to deal with it.

"That’s the reason I wanted to go to All Stars and play to the best of my ability. The whole reason of the All Stars is to inspire the next generation of Indigenous kids and Māori kids, and other Australian kids.

"They see how we play and react to certain things. There’s a lot of young Indigenous kids probably walking the same life with parents in prison or not at all and struggle.

"Hopefully I can inspire one kid and play my best. I was lucky enough to win the [Preston Campbell] medal."

Hynes, who is also a strong mental health advocate, said he was receiving ongoing support from the Sharks, friends and supporters.

"We’re branded as professional athletes but at the end of the day we’re humans too and we have a life outside of rugby league," he said. 

"Day-to-day things affect us just as much as they do normal people in the world. Just because we put on a footy jersey every week and entertain doesn’t mean we don’t have things happening behind closed doors."

Meanwhile, Hynes was hopeful he could overcome a calf strain in time for Saturday night's season opener against the Rabbitohs but indicated he wouldn't be rushed because of the occasion.

"I’m not sure yet, I’ll get through the next few days and see how it goes," he said.

'I was running at training last week and felt it get a bit tight and didn’t want to push it.

"It’s a small strain, I haven’t really looked at the scans. All I’m looking at is preparing for Round 1.

"I’d love nothing more than to run out on Saturday night to play but it’s a long season as well."

His future at the club isn't as uncertain with the Sharks playmaker grinning when asked about potentially extending his contract following a breakout season last year where he was crowned the game's best player.

"I love this place and make it well-aware I love this place. I started my career at the Sharks with Fitzy (Fitzgibbon) and he just re-signed," he said.

"I’d love to finish my career under Fitzy. I can’t see myself pulling on another jersey at the moment.

"We’ve got to get the logistics right and my manager and the club have got to deal with how we deal with that.

"I’d love to keep this playing group together as much as possible and win a premiership. If I have to re-sign to do that I’ll 100% do that."