The NRL's finals series is approaching, with a spotlight on the Cronulla Sharks, who face critical challenges after a disappointing string of performances.
Following the announcement of the finals schedule, it was revealed that the Sharks would play the Cowboys at Allianz Stadium rather than Shark Park.
Andrew Johns, a revered Immortal of the NRL, has voiced concerns over the club's star halfback, Nicho Hynes, emphasizing the need for improvement as the finals draw near.
Cronulla has only secured one win from their last five matches, raising alarms about their readiness for the playoffs.
Despite a narrow 24-20 defeat against the Melbourne Storm, where they rested several key players, their recent record includes unexpected losses to teams like Parramatta, Canberra, and St. George.
On the podcast 'Immortal Behaviour', Johns criticized Hynes for his performance against the Eels, insisting, "They need more from Nicho, simple as that." He pointed out that, as the top-paid player at $1 million per season, Hynes must take ownership of the team's results.
Johns noted that the responsibility that accompanies such a salary is especially significant in crucial matches.
The team is also dealing with injuries, notably Braydon Trindall, who is a doubt due to a shoulder dislocation sustained four weeks prior. Hynes' struggles in Trindall's absence appear to have burdened rookie partner Niwhai Puru.
Johns expressed concern about their dynamics, stating, "On the weekend Puru was the dominant half," which raises questions about their potential in the finals.
The veteran concluded that he does not envision a successful playoff run for the Sharks unless Hynes can elevate his performance significantly.