Dally M Medal winner Nicho Hynes signs $6 million deal to remain with the Cronulla Sharks

It also means he holds the longest NRL contract aside from Parramatta’s Dylan Brown, who has options he can trigger to remain with the Eels through 2031.

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His importance to the Sharks was underscored when he put on an intriguing performance in his first game of the season against the Dragons. He missed the first three rounds with a calf problem.

Hynes’ standing off the field has grown immeasurably since joining the Sharks as he emerges as one of the NRL’s most marketable stars, a leader in both the Cronulla and Indigenous communities.

The Sharks’ major retention coup adds to an impressive list of recent signings, including full-backs Ronaldo Mulitalo, Jesse Ramien, Siosifa Talakai and Sione Katoa.

Fullback Will Kennedy and back rower Teig Wilton are yet to sign deals beyond this year.

In addition to signing their best player, the Sharks also signed Fitzgibbon by the end of 2027 to become a regular top-four team.

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