Cameron Smith has questioned whether Nicho Hynes is ready to return to the Origin arena after reports the Sharks star is still suffering with a calf injury.
Hynes made his brief Origin debut in Game I of the 2023 series, however, has been stuck behind the star talent of Nathan Cleary across all representative competitions.
He was ruled out late of the Sharks' 25-18 victory over the Melbourne Storm last week but has been named to start on Sunday, when Cronulla takes on the Sydney Roosters.
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The 27-year-old has been forced to settle for being the 18th man or named in a utility role with the Blues side, with both positions yet to provide an opportunity for the Sharks star to make his mark in the Origin arena.
With Cleary out of contention for the 2024 series, Hynes has emerged as a leading candidate to start in the No.7 jersey.
"I still have a question on Nicho to make that step up," Smith said on SEN 1170 The Captain's Run.
"He's only had the one opportunity, now I know he got thrown out in the centres and he was part of that run of play where (Cameron) Munster made that linebreak and the Hammer went down field and Queensland scored [in Game I].
"I've seen over the period of time that I've followed footy and played State of Origin, that you can be one of the better players in the NRL competition, but State of Origin is a different game."
Hynes was named the 2022 Dally M Medalist off the back of an remarkable season with the Cronulla Sharks.
His solitary appearance in the Origin arena has left many pundits worried about his ability to step up and compete in big games, despite Hynes' ongoing success at club level.
Watch the 2024 Women's State of Origin series, starting Thursday May 16 on Nine and 9Now.
"Some guys, they just can't make the step to the next level, as a former teammate, I'd love to see Nicho Hynes prove a lot of people wrong but the jury is still out on whether he can play in that arena at that level," said Smith.
"There's no doubt he's a high-quality NRL player, he's one of the best halves in the comp. He's won the Dally M but until you go into that arena and dominate… like people are still talking about Nathan Cleary not (dominating) an Origin series yet.
"Nicho has only had that really brief opportunity at that level, he's yet to be given the reigns for the football side, of that state."
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