Cronulla chair Steve Mace hits out at Nicho Hynes critics: ‘Un-Australian’

Cronulla chair Steve Mace has lashed out at critics — including the club’s own fans — of Nicho Hynes.

Since winning the NRL’s Dally M Medal in 2022, Hynes has faced a barrage of criticism amid some patchy form.

And once again the 28-year-old is in the spotlight after an underwhelming start to 2025.

The Sharks are 10th on the ladder with two wins from their four games so far this year.

And after last week’s disappointing loss to ladder-leader Canterbury, NRL great Andrew Johns was at a loss over Hynes’ ordinary performances.

“When the game was on the line, (you) sort of didn’t see Nicho in the last 10-15 minutes,” Johns said in the commentary.

“I ­really have no idea how to rebuild it.”

Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon was also quizzed about Hynes after Round 2.

“Honestly, it’s getting a bit weird,” Fitzgibbon said following the 36-12 smashing of the Cowboys.

Mace is also telling people to back off.

“I think the criticism is ­narrow-minded and borderline un-Australian,” Mace he told News Corp.

“You can’t be a superstar all day, every day on the field. He’s still a human being. People have to get off his back.

“It’s Australia’s tall poppy syndrome. There is this ‘let’s bring down who’s at the top’ mentality, a natural (obsession) of bringing down anyone who sits at the top.

“If it (the criticism) was said in the workplace, in another environment, or even among your peers, you’d be absolutely raked over the coals, the way some people carry on.

“Remember, these players are people. If Nicho was your family member, how would you feel?

“I don’t understand people who think it’s acceptable ­behaviour ... If you call yourself a Sharks fan, then support your players, team and club. Why are we bringing the game down? Let’s remove the negativity from the game.”