LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Siosifa Talakai, a teammate of Nicho Hynes at the Sharks, has played a crucial role in helping Hynes bounce back from his State of Origin heartbreak.
Talakai, who went through a similar experience in 2022, knew exactly what to say to Hynes because they had the same conversation last year, albeit with one major difference.
Hynes and the Sharks were constantly bombarded with State of Origin questions leading up to the opening game in Adelaide.
Eventually, Hynes was selected to make his Blues debut off the bench.
However, what was supposed to be a memorable game turned into a nightmare for Hynes.
He was brought on for the final 12 minutes to play out of position, and the Maroons immediately exposed him, scoring two late tries to snatch the victory.
Being dropped from the team and not playing a part in the final two games took a toll on Hynes, leading to a period of soul-searching.
This experience is not uncommon for the NSW bench utility spot, as Talakai himself went through a similar ordeal in 2022.
Talakai had an impressive run at left centre, which propelled him into contention for the Origin team.
However, he failed to make an impact in his two appearances, playing a combined total of only 40 minutes in a series that the Blues ultimately lost.
Despite their respective disappointments, Talakai's ability to relate to Hynes's predicament has been instrumental in helping the young player overcome his heartbreak.
Talakai's understanding and support have provided Hynes with the necessary guidance and encouragement to move forward and regain his confidence.
Both players have learned valuable lessons from their experiences and are now focused on the future.
Talakai's unwavering support and empathy have undoubtedly played a significant role in Hynes's journey towards redemption.
With Talakai by his side, Hynes will undoubtedly be better equipped to handle any challenges that come his way, both on and off the rugby league field.