Cronulla Sharks face Nicho Hynes one-game ban ahead finals

Cronulla Sharks face a critical decision as star halfback Nicho Hynes received a one-match suspension for a hip-drop style tackle on Bulldogs winger Marcelo Montoya during their recent 24-6 victory. Montoya is unlikely to play in the Bulldogs' upcoming qualifying final against Melbourne due to the injury sustained. The Sharks must decide whether to contest Hynes' grade-two dangerous contact charge, which risks a two-game suspension if the appeal fails, potentially sidelining him for multiple finals matches or even the start of the 2026 season. Losing Hynes would be a major setback, forcing the Sharks to rely on less experienced players like Daniel Atkinson alongside Braydon Trindall in the halves, and further complicating their finals campaign given the absence of injured captain Cameron McInnes. Despite the setback, the Sharks have shown strong form leading into the finals with seven wins from their last eight games, though their historical finals record remains poor with eight losses in nine games since 2018. The club is weighing its options carefully before entering a plea, with experts suggesting the rules around finals suspensions may need reconsideration.