Hynes charged for tripping, escapes contrary conduct charge in Sharks loss to Sea Eagles

Andrew Mathieson Published July 24, 2023 at 2.30pm (AWST)

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Nicho Hynes scored six points and had two try assists in Cronulla's four point loss to Manly on Sunday. (Image: Dave Rowland/Getty Images)

Nicho Hynes has been charged over a tripping incident on Monday, but the reigning Dally M Medallist has escaped a more serious charge of contrary conduct after being placed on report.

The penalty for an early plea to the grade-one dangerous contact is a fine of between $1000 and $1500, after the Cronulla playmaker allegedly tripped up Manly rival Tolu Koula in the 12th minute of Sunday's key clash.

The NRL match review committee upheld the first of the two reports, but Hynes was also cleared of any further wrongdoing following a stern rebuke from referee Peter Gough later that day.

Hynes could be heard and seen yelling at touch judge Belinda Sharpe after disputing a pass in the 63rd minute that was ruled forward.

The spray directed at the female official had Gough admonishing the Wiradjuri man while also defending his colleague.

Frustrations was boiling over as the Sharks began to mount an incredible comeback after trailing the Sea Eagles 30-0 early in the second half.

"Nicho, Nicho, come here," Gough called out Hynes.

"Don't say another word.

"Hey, don't walk away from me – come here.

"You do not have the right to talk to me or my team in any manner.

"Do it again and you'll find yourself off the field. Enough."

But Hynes was quick to protest against Gough's speech that he had no case to answer.

"What did I say? I said that's three," Hynes replied back.

The match review committee on Monday looked at the case and believed interactions with either of the officials did not warrant any further punishment.

Hynes quickly calmed down and slipped from villain back to hero mode for Cronulla's fans that headed to Manly.

The 27-year-old set up a bloodied Cameron McInnes in the 70th minute to narrow the deficit from 30-8 before Indigenous teammates Jesse Ramien and Will Kennedy added a further two tries inside the next four minutes.

After earlier misses at goal, Hynes converted all three late tries to get the visitors back within four points with six minutes left on the clock.

But Manly, who scored the opening six tries of a battle of fluctuating fortunes that had begun with five just in the first half alone, held on for a 30-26 victory despite Cronulla piling on the last five tries in reply.