A palpable sense of overcoming the odds surrounded Nicho Hynes as he won the 2022 Dally M Medal on Wednesday night.
The gun halfback capped a dramatic switch from Melbourne to Cronulla by claiming the game’s top individual honor with a record.
He polled 38 votes to beat Roosters fullback James Tedesco (33 votes) and Dragons halfback Ben Hunt (32) on match night at Royal Randwick Racecourse.
READ MORE: Uncomfortable $1m cloud hanging over NRL grand final star
READ MORE: The question that broke Selwood’s retirement announcement
READ MORE: Phil Mickelson’s unexpected golf backflip
A palpable sense of overcoming the odds surrounded Nicho Hynes as the Sharks won the 2022 Dally M Medal. (Getty)
Earlier in the night, Hynes had claimed the Provan Convocation Medal for his poignant message following the tragic death of Paul Green, in which he pleaded with people to treat every day as an “OK RU Day?”.
There was a touch of humanity again as he reflected on stage about his rocky journey to the medal moment.
“I didn’t have the easiest journey to get here and I had some tough challenges growing up,” Hynes said.
“Now I’m in a privileged position to give back and hopefully influence some people who have been in my position, who are going through a difficult path right now, to inspire them to be where we all are today.
“That’s our main goal, isn’t it? To be role models for the next generation.
“There will be a day (when) we retire and the next generation will pass.
Hynes thanks mom after Dally M’s win
“So hopefully we can help pave the way for these guys and they can be here one day, too.”
Hynes’ mother, who joined him for the Dally M Awards, spent about seven years of Hynes’ childhood in and out of prison.
One moment he will never forget was when his mother, whom he had not seen for a long time, appeared at school. She ran across the oval and jumped into his arms.
He also has clear memories of his mother being taken out of the house in a rice cart.
“My beautiful mother sitting there, I love you so much,” Hynes said Wednesday night as her mother fought back tears.
Hynes’ football career, similar to his personal life, has taken a rocky path.
He shone for Manly in the under-20s and was eyeing a two-year NRL deal during the 2016 pre-season but was hit by injury and let go by the Sea Eagles.
What followed were stints with the Mackay Cutters and the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland Cup.
Nicho Hynes pictured with his Dally M medal. (Getty)
“I took the long way through the (Queensland) Cup for a couple of years there, not knowing if I was going to make it, and the Falcons and the Mackay Cutters gave me a great opportunity,” Hynes said.
“To all those guys struggling in the reserves right now, it’s not too far. Just keep your head down, work hard and maybe you could be standing here one day.”
Hynes’ time in the Queensland Cup was marred by depression and suicidal thoughts
Finally, he put his foot down and decided that it was imperative to see a counselor.
Melbourne gave him his first crack as an NRL footballer and he seized the opportunity, dazzling in defense when Ryan Papenhuyzen was injured and at other times starring as a utility man off the bench.
After proving to the Storm that he was worth every penny as an NRL footballer, his sparkling form materialized into a three-year, $1.8 million deal with the Sharks.
Chad Townsend left for the Cowboys and Hynes, replacing him at half-back, led the Sharks to second place on the ladder.
Among the many people the playmaker thanked Wednesday night was a mental coach he employed this year.
“I can’t believe it, to be honest,” Hynes said of his Dally M Medal win.
“I just came here tonight, so grateful to be here surrounded by great players. Five years ago I was sitting at home watching this. I just dreamed of being here and I didn’t think I would ever be there. Honestly, I just came here just waiting have a good night and catch up with some old friends, really.”
As Hynes gave his best wishes to the NRL and NRLW grand finalists, he took a cheeky jab at the Eels, prompting a barrel of laughter and applause.
“If Parra wins, you didn’t beat us this year,” he said with a booming smile and a fist pump.
“So up the Sharkies.”
List of NRL winners
Dally M Medal: Nicho Hynes (Cronulla Sharks)
Defender: James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters)
Winger: Joseph Suali (Sydney Roosters)
Winger: Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Centre: Joseph Manu (Sydney Roosters)
Centre: Valentine Holmes (North Queensland Cowboys)
Five-eighth: Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm)
Midfield: Nicho Hynes (Cronulla Sharks)
Prop: Joseph Tapine (Canberra Raiders)
Prop: Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos)
Hooker: Apisai Koroisau (Penrith Panthers)
Second row: Viliame Kikau (Penrith Panthers)
Second row: Jeremiah Nanai (North Queensland Cowboys)
Block: Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers)
Rookie of the Year: Jeremiah Nanai (North Queensland Cowboys)
Captain of the Year: Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers)
Coach of the Year: Todd Payten (North Queensland Cowboys)
Top Scorer: Valentine Holmes (North Queensland Cowboys)
Top scorer (Ken Irvine Medal): Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Peter Frilingos headline moment: Jada Taylor/Queensland home state win
Provan-Summons Medal: Nicho Hynes (Cronulla Sharks)
Test of the Year: Scott Drinkwater (North Queensland Cowboys)
Tackle of the Year: Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Eels)
Hardest Player of the Year: Isaiah Papali’i (Parramatta Eels)
Cowboys mentor Todd Payten was named NRL coach of the year. (NRL Images)
List of NRLW winners
Dally M Medal: Raecene McGregor (Sydney Roosters)
Defence: Sam Bremner (Sydney Roosters)
Winger: Teagan Berry (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Winger: Jaime Chapman (Brisbane Broncos)
Centre: Isabelle Kelly (Sydney Roosters)
Centre: Jessica Sergis (Sydney Roosters)
Five-eighth: Tarryn Aiken (Brisbane Broncos)
Midfield: Raecene McGregor (Sydney Roosters)
Prop: Caitlan Johnston (Newcastle Knights)
Prop: Millie Boyle (Newcastle Knights)
Hooker: Keeley Davis (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Second rower: Keilee Joseph (Sydney Roosters)
Second rower: Olivia Kernick (Sydney Roosters)
Lock: Simaima Taufa (Parramatta Eels)
Provan-Summons Medal: Toni Hunt (Brisbane Broncos)
Coach of the Year: John Strange (Sydney Roosters)
Top scorer: Zahara Temara (Sydney Roosters)
Top scorer: Jayme Fressard (Sydney Roosters)
Rookie of the Year: Jesse Southwell (Newcastle Knights)
Captain: Isabelle Kelly (Sydney Roosters)
Test of the Year: Tarryn Aiken (Brisbane Broncos)
Tackle of the Year: Tarryn Aiken (Brisbane Broncos)
For a daily dose of the best breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!