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Andrew Johns has endorsed a positional switch for Nicho Hynes, but stopped short of calling for the Sharks star to move to fullback next year.
The 27-year-old has endured a tough season, dealing with increased scrutiny as well as an ankle injury, but rebounded last weekend to lift Cronulla into a prelim final.
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Hynes wore the No.7 jumper in the gritty win over the Cowboys, but it was the display from Braydon Trindall next to him that earned high praise across the game.
Nicho Hynes of the Sharks celebrates winning semi final. Getty
With the lesser-paid member of Cronulla’s halves combination off-contract at the end of next year, effectively putting him on the open market from November 1 this year, discussion has again kicked into gear regarding Hynes and his future at halfback.
Speaking on Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour, the legendary playmaker explained why a switch could benefit both players.
“Nicho is playing like a five-eighth,” Johns said.
“You have a look at how many touches Braydon Trindall had, it was far superior to what he’d been doing at the start of the year … he’s the dominant halfback.
“I think Nicho all along, that’s his best position at five-eighth.
“Moving forward, that will be your halves.”
Hynes is on a contract worth an estimated $1 million per season at the Sharks, while Trindall is on less than half that amount heading into the final year on his current deal.
The other suggestion has been to move Hynes to fullback – a position he spent time in during his formative years at the Melbourne Storm.
But according to Johns, that is no longer an option for the 2022 Dally M Medal winner.
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Braydon Trindall could be Cronulla’s long-term halfback. Getty
“I don’t see him as a fullback,” he said.
“I don’t think he’s got the zip to be a fullback. He may have had it five years ago when he was at the Storm, but I don’t see him making an impact at fullback.
“I think five-eighth is his spot.”
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