Matty Johns pushes for positional switch for Nicho Hynes ahead of crucial Cowboys clash

SEN's Matty Johns broke down the current state of the Cronulla Sharks, sharing his bold suggestion to reposition Nicho Hynes at fullback.

Following their 37-10 loss to the Melbourne Storm in the qualifying final, discussions have begun surrounding the Sharks' line-up with some suggesting Hynes should be dropped from the side altogether.

Johns expressed that Hynes is still a pivotal player for the side, but the team's overall performance, particularly their indecisiveness, affected Hynes’ ability to play to his full potential.

“If I was 'Fitzy' (Sharks coach, Craig Fitzgibbon), I would consider putting him at fullback,” Johns told SEN 1170's The Run Home.

“I don’t know what that would mean for Will Kennedy. Again, it might be shifting something around and weakening another, but I would consider that.

“(The Sharks) couldn’t get forward, they were really indecisive and there was very little time and space for Nicho to play and to do his thing.”

This move could alleviate some of the current pressure on Hynes, with Johns believing a switch to fullback could allow him to play with more freedom and confidence on the field.

"I think that would bring the best out of Nicho and take a bit of pressure off him,” Johns added.

"At the very least I would call Nicho in and say… forget the number on your back, play like a fullback.”

While it's uncertain how this shift might affect the rest of the line-up, Johns stressed the need for bold moves as the Sharks prepare for their semi-final clash with the North Queensland Cowboys.

Whether Fitzgibbon takes on this suggestion or not, boosting Hynes' confidence will be crucial as the Sharks chase their first finals win since 2018 and fight to keep their season alive.