Nicho Hynes cops one-game ban for hip-drop tackle as Cronulla weigh up NRL judiciary challenge

Superstar halfback Nicho Hynes is set to miss Cronulla’s elimination final against the Sydney Roosters after receiving a one-game ban from the match review committee.

The former Dally M Medallist was placed on report for a hip drop-style tackle on Marcelo Montoya that left the Canterbury winger unable to finish the Sharks’ 24-6 win on Saturday.

Montoya’s ankle became caught awkwardly under Hynes’ knee and he needed assistance leaving the field in the dying minutes at Accor Stadium.

He appears highly unlikely to play in the Bulldogs’ qualifying final against Melbourne next week.

Hynes has since received a grade-two dangerous contact charge that would end his season if the Sharks fell to the red-hot Roosters at Shark Park next week.

The halfback would risk missing a second finals game, or the first round of 2026, if he unsuccessfully pleaded his case at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night.

The club is understood to be considering its options and does not have to enter a plea until midday on Tuesday.

Losing Hynes for the clash with the Roosters would be devastating for the Sharks, who would likely play Daniel Atkinson next to Braydon Trindall in the halves.

Atkinson is rated highly but has started only one game this season, playing second fiddle to Hynes in the win over the Bulldogs as Trindall rested a minor ankle injury.

Hynes also brings valuable on-field leadership, given the Sharks are already entering finals without their injured captain Cameron McInnes.