Nicho Hynes has revealed the influence of some of his Queensland rivals will hold him in good stead heading into a crucial season for the Sharks.
After bundling out for the second-straight finals series without winning a game, Cronulla will be relying on their superstar halfback in order to shake the 'pretenders' tag and become a genuine premiership force in 2024.
The 27-year-old made his international debut for the Kangaroos last October, capping off an incredible rise from a back-up utility at the Storm to one of the most recognisable names and biggest stars in the NRL.
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Speaking to 9News in the lead-up to the season, Hynes revealed his interactions with some of the league's elite playmakers has given him a fresh perspective – and he hopes to take it back to the Shire.
"Just being around Daly [Cherry-Evans] – I picked his brain a hell of a lot," he said.
"Benny Hunt [as well], being around Munster again and all those great players.
"We obviously don't get to do much with the Queenslanders, but seeing the way some of their players prepare as well and being around the best.
"I'm a footy nerd – I picked their brains and just had a lot of fun with them."
Hynes is coming into his third season with the Sharks, but will have all the responsibility this year with the No.7 on his back.
Braydon Trindall finished last year alongside Hynes in the halves and is expected to earn first crack, while the likes of Niwhai Puru and Kade Dykes are also in the mix.
Hynes believes the side are in a good position to build off their strong end to last year's campaign, which culminated in a narrow loss to the Roosters.
"We finished the year really well – those last six weeks, Tricky and I combined," he said.
"Obviously the final game didn't go the way we planned – but I felt like we built something there. We were in a bit of a rut and we fought our way out of it.
"There's another year and another pre-season together building combinations.
"Physically, I'm feeling probably the best I've felt in a long time. Maybe that break after the Aussie tour gave me a bit of rest, especially in the mind as well.
"I'm feeling fit and feeling strong."
Cronulla will kick off their 2024 season against the Warriors on Friday, March 8.
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