LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
NRL legend Greg Alexander has thrown Nicho Hynes' performance into the spotlight once again, questioning the Cronulla star's ability to deliver in crunch time.
Hynes, who has been feeling the heat lately, is facing calls for the club to make some bold moves with the struggling playmaker ahead of their semi-final clash against North Queensland.
In a disappointing finals display against the Storm, Hynes failed to make a significant impact on the game, running for just 50m and coming up short in the attacking stats department.
The Sharks were completely outclassed by their opponents, who ran circles around them in the second half, despite facing a strong headwind.
With a winless record in finals matches with Hynes at halfback, the pressure is mounting for the talented player to step up his game.
A missed touch from a penalty kick and a lack of space for Hynes to operate in only added to the frustration for Cronulla fans.
Although Hynes is still working his way back from a serious injury, his performances have not matched his stellar form back in 2022 when he claimed the prestigious Dally M Medal.
With a disappointing State of Origin series opener and a recent drop in form, Alexander believes Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon may need to look at alternative options for the crucial upcoming match.
As they aim to break a seven-game losing streak in the finals, Fitzgibbon may have to consider shaking things up by giving Braydon Trindall and Daniel Atkinson a chance in the halves at Allianz Stadium.
Time will tell if Hynes can rise to the occasion and prove his worth in the high-pressure atmosphere of the finals stage.