Nicho Hynes’ somber reflection following ‘underwhelming’ 27-12 victory against the Rabbitohs

Nicho Hynes has acknowledged that Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon is unlikely to be thrilled with his team’s lacklustre second-half showing, despite securing a 27-12 victory over the Rabbitohs at Shark Park.

The Sharks were dominant in the first half, but let their guard down, conceding the second half 12-7.

In a post-match interview with Fox Sports, Hynes expressed relief at taking the two points but admitted the team needed to lift their performance.

“It’s definitely a game of two halves. The first half was fantastic; we stuck to our plans and executed well, but I’m really disappointed with that second half,” he told Fox Sports.

“I don’t think Fitzy (Craig Fitzgibbon) is going to be very pleased with us.”

Hynes stated that their first-half performance should serve as the template for the remainder of their season, advising that they can’t afford to switch off like they did.

“To be a top team in this competition, you’ve got to maintain that intensity for the full 80 minutes,” he noted.

“But ultimately, a win’s a win.”

Unfortunately for the Sharks, their first home game of the season was marred by a worrying knee injury to prop Braden Hamlin-Uele.

Hamlin-Uele appeared to come off second best during a tackle early in the second half. Although he played the ball, he quickly exited the field and headed to the tunnel.

He was quickly ruled out and will be sent for scans later that night after being seen on the sidelines with an ice pack on his knee.

Hamlin-Uele had already faced injury struggles throughout 2024, spending considerable time with the Newtown Jets in the NSW Cup, missing out on the Sharks’ NRL finals run.

The Sharks started strong, with Hynes crossing for a try in the opening minutes, followed shortly by Briton Nikora’s score.

However, it was the next two tries that truly electrified the Shark Park crowd.

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The first was scored by Kayal Iro, who finished a stunning 110-metre team effort that will be remembered for years. Ronaldo Mulitalo fielded the ball in the in-goal area and managed to return it into play before passing to Will Kennedy, who then fed it to Iro, enabling him to sprint away for the score.

“The Sharkies are on fire! You won’t see a better try than that,” Steve Roach exclaimed during commentary on Fox Sports.

Shortly after, Will Kennedy capitalised on another impressive play, crossing in the corner after the movement began deep in their own territory.

Sam Stonestreet took possession on his own 20m line, launching a dynamic attack that eventually led to Kennedy’s try, despite a valiant tackle from Jye Gray.

“You can’t script it any better, but it’s brilliant to watch. Unbelievable,” Warren Smith commented on Fox Sports.

In the second half, Braydon Trindall added a try in the 45th minute, yet the Sharks seemed to switch off afterwards, allowing the Rabbitohs to score two consolation tries.

Trindall’s field goal at full-time was their only addition to the score in the second half.

The Sharks will be looking to bounce back as they prepare to host the Bulldogs next weekend.