Cronulla Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes could return to the NRL as early as next week as he wraps up his rehabilitation from ankle surgery.
Hynes has not featured since round 18 after suffering a broken leg and syndesmosis injury during a Sharks training session in July.
The 28-year-old underwent surgery days later, putting a line through his name for two months.
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Nicho Hynes is nearing his return from injury. Nine
Now, the Sharks medical staff are hoping Hynes will make his long-awaited return to the field next weekend for the penultimate-round clash with the Warriors at home.
However, Hynes is unwilling to set anything in stone just yet.
Asked when fans can expect to see him back on the field, Hynes was coy.
“I’m not too sure. Some days [the leg] feels really good and some days it doesn’t,” he told 9News.
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“The surgeon said when you feel like it’s ready to go, you’ll know.”
However, Hynes is confident he will be back in time to aid Cronulla’s finals crusade.
Nicho Hynes spotted on crutches after a training injury inJuly. Nine
“Yeah, I reckon. Yeah, I’m pretty confident,” he said.
While sidelined, Hynes has been a frequent sighting alongside Craig Fitzgibbon in the coaches’ box — honing his coaching skills.
Under Hynes’ guidance, Daniel Atkinson has impressed as his replacement in the halves.
“I’m not taking credit for [Atkinson coming into his own] but that’s the side of footy I love, being able to help the younger guys. I want to go into coaching one day,” Hynes said.
Quizzed if he could see himself as a future head coach, Hynes was happy to earn his stripes after footy.
“Fitzy always tells me I’m an idiot if I want to go into head coaching but I would love to have my own team,” he said.
Sharks star Nicho Hynes runs the ball. Getty
“Maybe I’ll start in the Q Cup or NSW Cup, or if I could just stay in the Cronulla system, that would be ideal.”
Cronulla are fighting to hold onto fourth spot on the league ladder, needing every point to keep the likes of Canterbury and Manly at bay.
The Sharks meet the Dragons in Wollongong on Sunday before facing the Warriors at home in round 26 and the Sea Eagles in the final round of the home and away season.