LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In the cut-throat world of NRL finals footy, all eyes are on Cronulla's playmaker, Nicho Hynes, as he aims to shake off his past struggles on the big stage.
But coach Craig Fitzgibbon is backing his star player to come through when it matters most.
Fitzgibbon isn't buying into the hype that Hynes is the be-all and end-all for the Sharks' finals campaign.
Despite the Dally M winner having his fair share of doubters, the coach has full confidence in his ability to deliver when the pressure is on, drawing on Hynes' history of clutch performances.
The critics have been circling Hynes, questioning his capability to shine in high-pressure situations, especially after a shaky State of Origin debut earlier in the year.
And with Cronulla yet to taste finals success with Hynes calling the shots, the stakes are higher than ever as they prepare to face off against his former team, the Melbourne Storm.
After a lengthy stint on the sidelines with a leg injury, Hynes made his comeback in the final round of the regular season, ready to make his mark in the finals.
Fitzgibbon knows that while Hynes will play a pivotal role against his old club, it will take a collective team effort to take down the minor premiers on their home turf.
As the Sharks gear up for a do-or-die clash at AAMI Park, Fitzgibbon is preaching the importance of unity and team spirit, urging his players to rise to the occasion together.
In a game where every move counts and every play matters, Hynes will need to silence his critics and prove that he has what it takes to steer Cronulla to victory.