Nicho Hynes has been outstanding on the field in his first season at the Sharks, however he has also been making a significant impact off the field, with the Umina junior committed to utilising his high profile to create a difference in the community.
Understanding the opportunity he has to create a social impact and to lift the spirits of those facing adversity, Hynes is a passionate supporter of various causes and initiatives, both Club instigated and as a result of his own efforts to give back to the community, hence his nomination as the Sharks representative for the 2022 Ken Stephen Medal.
As a proud Wiradjuri man and Indigenous role model, Hynes has delivered messages of health and wellbeing through the Deadly Choices program, he attended the NRL Youth Summit during NRL Indigenous round and liaised with Aboriginal youth suicide prevention organisation -Cultural Choice Association - to encourage his teammates to wear boots, hand painted by local Aboriginal youth hostel students.
He was also at the forefront of a Sharks initiative earlier in the year in inviting an Indigenous Dance and cultural organisation to PointsBet Stadium to present to and engage with the NRL playing group and coaching staff.
Often seen proudly wearing the signature Foundation beanie, Hynes supports the Mark Hughes Foundation as his nominated charity and this year offered his support by participating in the Big Three Trek on a scheduled day off.
Hynes is regularly giving back to the community in his own time through grassroots junior league clinics, his former school and hospital visits, in addition to his regular Club commitments, leaving a positive impact, long-lasting memories and a smile on the faces on all those he meets.
Ronaldo Mulitalo was named the Ken Stephen Medallist in 2021, the NRL’s most prestigious community award, for his efforts in the community, in not only an endorsement of his character and spirit, but also in recognition of the work carried out by Sharks Have Heart. It would be great to see the Sharks go back-to-back in such an important award.
Fan voting is now live for the Club nominees, with Sharks members and supporters encouraged to support Nicho in his bid to be named the 2022 Ken Stephen Medallist.
