LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon is sticking by his under fire halfback Nicho Hynes, confident that the star player will bounce back in their upcoming clash against the Cowboys.
Despite calls for Hynes to be dropped, Fitzgibbon remains unwavering in his support, insisting that he will never base his team selections on critics' opinions.
Hynes, who has faced scrutiny for his performance in the finals, has been backed by his teammates after former NRL great Greg Alexander suggested alternate options for the halves pairing.
Despite the Sharks' poor record in finals with Hynes at halfback, Fitzgibbon believes that the playmaker is the right man to lead the team in their crucial semi-final matchup against North Queensland.
"I won't be swayed by outside noise," Fitzgibbon stated defiantly.
"Hynes is the man to steer the ship, and we're backing him to deliver when it matters most.
We have to knuckle down and fight the way out of this situation, and I have no doubt that Nicho will rise to the occasion."
As the Sharks prepare to avoid another premature exit from the finals, Fitzgibbon is urging his team to embrace the challenge ahead and channel their determination to come out on top.
In true Aussie sporting spirit, he's calling on his players to dig deep, give it their all, and leave it all out on the field.