NRL world tears into Nicho Hynes for flop as rugby league world commend common sense officiating
NRL fans have torn into Nicho Hynes after an embarrassing dive in the Sharks' 34-28 defeat to the Broncos on Sunday afternoon.
Cronulla looked in complete control in the first half before Brisbane roared to life in the second term, piling on the points to produce an incredible comeback victory that Michael Maguire will hope kickstarts their season.
FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.
However, it was Hynes' effort to stall Brisbane's comeback that raised a lot of eyebrows.
With the Sharks up 28-18, the Broncos manufactured an overlap on the left edge.
And in a desperate attempt to turn the momentum, Hynes appeared to make the conscious decision to seek out Jack Gosiewski, throwing himself to the ground after minor contact appealing for an obstruction penalty.
Broncos winger Josiah Karapani then finished off the sweeping play by putting the ball in the corner, with referee Wyatt Raymond awarding the try.
You can watch the controversial try in the player above.
But with a hint of obstruction, many felt it was a certainty that the young winger's try would be taken away.
'We can't let him get away with this,' Andrew Voss exclaimed in Fox Sports commentary.
'I know we have seen things similar before but please. If this is given a no-try he gets an acting job with Neighbours.
'Everyone stops and throws their arms up, what have we created here?'
In recent years almost every time an attacker makes contact with the defender, a penalty goes to the defensive team.
It has seen many players deliberately seek out contact to avoid a try being conceded or to turn momentum.
But this time the Bunker didn't overturn the decision, in what many felt was a line in the sand moment.
'I think that's a hallelujah moment for the game on obstruction and I hope that everyone learns a lesson there,' Voss continued.
While NRL great Cooper Cronk was relieved common sense was applied by officials.
'Nicho Hynes has gone to act as if he's been obstructed,' Cooper Cronk continued.
'Well done referee, well done bunker. Cronulla Sharks are looking for a shortcut.
As for the NRL world, they tore into Hynes and hoped the call signalled a new era of players seeking contact not fooling officials.
'That is a terrible dive by Nicho,' one fan wrote on X.
'Common sense prevailed with a faux obstruction claim,' another added.
'I hope that's a sign of what is to come. Justice served there,' a third said.
While a fourth added: 'Haha that's just sad from Hynes'.
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