NRL Immortal Andrew Johns has called out the misfiring million-dollar halfback who he believes needs to be much better if his team has any chance in the finals. The NRL confirmed the schedule for the first week of the finals on Sunday night, with Cronulla controversially kicked out of Shark Park and forced to host the Cowboys at Allianz instead.
But according to Johns the Sharks have much bigger problems. Craig Fitzgibbon’s side head into the finals with just one victory from their last five games.
Andrew Johns (R) can’t see the Sharks going on a run in the NRL finals. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
They rested a host of starters on Saturday night against the Melbourne Storm, so the 24-20 loss was actually quite a promising result. But prior to that they suffered shock losses against Parramatta, Canberra and the Dragons – who all missed the finals.
Speaking on the ‘Immortal Behaviour’ podcast, Johns declared that Hynes was “really poor” against the Eels and needs to step up. “I really don’t know what’s wrong with them,” the legendary halfback said.
“They need more from Nicho, simple as that. Your marquee player, highest-paid player (on $1 million per season). I know all the talk about money, but when you’re the highest-paid player you own the result, especially if you wear the 7 on your back.
“With that money comes responsibility, especially in big games. They need more off Nicho, he was really poor last weekend against Parramatta.”
Nicho Hynes hasn’t been at his brilliant best lately. (Photo by Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images)
Andrew Johns can’t see Sharks doing well in finals
Braydon Trindall is racing the clock to be fit to take on the Cowboys after dislocating his shoulder four weeks ago. Hynes has seemingly struggled in Trindall’s absence and put too much of the load on rookie halves partner Niwhai Puru.
“On the weekend Puru was the dominant half, he did a lot of the kicking. That is worrying for me,” Johns said. “I can’t see them making a run (in the finals).”
NRL week one finals schedule:
(6) Rabbitohs v (7) Knights – Friday 7.50pm, Allianz Stadium (elimination final)
(2) Warriors v (3) Dolphins – Saturday 4:05pm, Go Media Stadium Auckland (qualifying final)
(5) Sharks v (8) Cowboys – Saturday 7:50pm, Allianz Stadium (elimination final)
(1) Panthers v (4) Roosters – Sunday 4:05pm, CommBank Stadium (qualifying final)