Nathan Cleary Inspires Nicho Hynes to NSW Success with House Visit

A private visit by Penrith Panthers’ star Nathan Cleary to the home of Nicho Hynes has proven pivotal in the rise of the Sharks’ halfback, inspiring him for his upcoming State of Origin debut.

The meeting between the duo, despite their clubs’ fierce rivalry in the NRL, took place earlier this year and shaped a significant moment for Hynes as he prepares to don the NSW No.7 jersey in the series opener against Queensland at Accor Stadium.

Hynes disclosed how he was awoken just in time to witness Cleary’s grand final heroics last season, leading to an invitation for Cleary to share insights on game approaches and handling media scrutiny.

Cleary, sidelined due to injury for the entire Origin series, made a special appearance to mentor the Blues, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing victories over individual statistics in their discussion.

Despite his calf injury that nearly hindered his Origin selection, Hynes has emerged as a standout player in the NRL this season, earning his spot in the NSW squad.

The camaraderie between Cleary and Hynes demonstrates a maturity in the latter, who seeks advice from seasoned players like Cleary to enhance his own game and mindset.

In a recount of Cleary’s finals performance, Hynes praised the Penrith captain’s masterclass display, admitting his admiration for Cleary’s skill and expressing his desire to potentially collaborate with him in the future.

Hynes credits his growth as a player to the interaction with Cleary, highlighting their budding friendship and the positive impact of their conversations on his development.

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