Nicho Hynes, Braydon Trindall, Matt Moylan, Luke Metcalf, Queensland rookie Ryan Rivett, rugby convert Lachie Miller or the ever-reliable and versatile Connor Tracey.
The halves are crucial to the success of any NRL team and coach Craig Fitzgibbon has some decisions to make ahead of the kick-off to the Sharks 2022 season on March 11,
From the Storm, where he enjoyed an outstanding 2021, although mainly playing at fullback, Hynes has been recruited by the Sharks to play in the halves, a position where he spent most of his formative rugby league years on the Central Coast then in the Sea Eagles development system.
Hynes has been hard at work throughout the summer months, familiarising himself with his teammates and new surroundings, with the coach satisfied with what he’s seen so far.
“He’s connected with the group really quickly. Like all our recruits, he’s a quality guy, so we feel really confident he’ll come in and execute his role,” Fitzgibbon told the Daily Telegraph.
Looking likely to fill one spot in the Sharks halves, Hynes will need a partner in crime, with perhaps three real options for Fitzgibbon to consider before facing the Raiders in round one.
Trindall learnt some lessons and gained valuable experience in 2021 and continues to improve, while Metcalf displayed his talents with a handful of top grade appearances last year.
Trindall has perhaps with the more polished kicking game and organisational skills, but Metcalf is the x-factor type with exceptional speed and the ability to score a try. Both would complement Hynes if given the chance.
Also, a distinct possibility of being given the responsibility of leading the Sharks around the field in 2022 is Moylan, a player of undoubted natural ability.
With an elite level running and passing game, Moylan at his best is a match winner and someone Fitzgibbon might find difficult to leave out if fit and firing when the season gets underway.
Of the others, Rivett, a highly rated Queenslander on the Sharks development player list, will be aiming to impress after seeing very little football due to a shoulder injury last year. He will look and learn as he patiently awaits his opportunity, with possibly Miller, the former Australian Rugby Sevens Olympian having trained at fullback, hooker and in the halves during the pre-season. Where he lands positionally remains to be seen.
“Matt is looking healthy and fit, but the best thing is, all the halves in our club are pushing and encouraging each other. We’ve got some great competition in the halves with Nicho, Braydon Trindall, Matt Moylan, Luke Metcalf, Ryan Rivett and Lachie Miller, all preparing really well,” Fitzgibbon said.
It’s an important decision to get right, a combination pivotal to the teams’ success in 2022, with the Sharks halves looking to lead the way this season.
