‘He's someone I idolise': Nicho Hynes reveals the meaning behind his post-try celebration in emotional tribute to Steven Munster
Hynes made his NRL debut alongside Cameron Munster at the Storm back in 2019 and spent plenty of time with his father in the sheds after games.
It's why he wanted to honour him after scoring a try, with the support shown by teammates and rivals highlighting Munster's standing in the game.
The Sharks strike early through Nicho Hynes!
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'It was just a little dance that we used to do every time we had a couple of beers together,' the Sharks halfback said after he scored twice in the 24-12 win over the Dolphins.
'I've just been thinking about him a lot. I've been talking to my girlfriend about it. That could have been me. That could be anyone waking up without their dad or a parent.
'I'm sending lots of love to his family. I just remember after games at Melbourne, seeing his old man and old lady in the sheds always smiling and happy.
'It touched me a lot, big time.'
The friendship goes back to 2018 when Hynes was new in Melbourne and was taken in by Munster who supported him early on and made him feel at home.
The former Dally M Medal winner says he idolises the Storm champion who bravely led the Maroons to State of Origin glory on Wednesday night just days after his father died.
'I think he was meant to be on the Aussie tour that year and I think something happened and he got kicked out or whatever and he ended up coming to pre-season, which was my first pre-season there,' Hynes recalled.
'I was a nobody. I was literally there on a train and trial (deal) and he didn't have to give me any time of day, but that's not the Melbourne Storm way. They do give everyone time of day.
'He ended up having me at his house for a couple of weeks and whenever he wanted to go for a feed, he'd ask me to go for a feed. He was just someone who was so nice and caring and wanted to help out and make me better.
'I looked up to him and I've looked up to him ever since I met him. He's just someone I idolise.
'Even now, seeing the way he's handled it and went out and performed the other night, I don't think I've seen and played with a better rugby league player live – Cameron Smith, obviously – but Cam Munster… what he's gone through to do that and deliver, I'm just so proud of him.'
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