Hynes disbelieving after claiming Dally M medal

• Published date: 30 September 2022

Hynes on Wednesday night became the clear star of rugby league’s night of nights, the Cronulla halfback finishing on a record 38 points

Three points behind Ben Hunt at the halfway mark of the season, the Sharks star stormed home to beat James Tedesco by five points while Hunt finished third.

In doing so, he joined the likes of Johnathan Thurston as just the fifth player to claim the award in his first season at a new club.

‘‘I can hand on heart say I came here not expecting anything at all.

‘‘I can’t believe it. It’s bloody crazy. I am pinching myself.

‘‘To have this around my neck. I frothed Johnathan Thurston growing up, Andrew Johns.

‘‘And now I am alongside them. It’s unbelievable.’’

Todd Payten claimed the major coaching gong, while his second-rower, Jeremiah Nanai, was the rookie of the year after scoring 17 tries for North Queensland.

Penrith’s Isaah Yeo was named captain of the year, headlining three Panthers in the NRL’s Dally M team of the year.

Hynes was also awarded the Provan Summons spirit of NRL award for his work in raising awareness for mental health following his post-match interview after Paul Green’s death.

But it is the top gong he will remember most, given it was...