Nicho Hynes' perfect kicking seals Sharks' tight win over Knights

Nicho Hynes maintained his perfect kicking record as Cronulla Sharks narrowly defeated Newcastle Knights 14-12 in a tense Women in League Round match on 17 July 2026. The Sharks' scramble defence and Hynes' boot proved decisive despite being outscored 4 tries to 3.

How did Hynes contribute to the win?

Hynes converted all three of Cronulla's tries, continuing his streak of 11 successful kicks from the previous week. His reliability under pressure was crucial in a match where the Sharks struggled to finish plays. The halfback also combined well with Mawene Hiroti for a bone-crunching tackle on Dylan Lucas.

What made this match special?

The Sharks wore black, blue and neon pink kits for Women in League Round, with players' jerseys bearing the names of female loved ones. Braydon Trindall added two try assists to stay atop the NRL leaderboard, while Will Kennedy scored his 151st NRL try.

How did the Knights nearly pull off the upset?

Newcastle outscored Cronulla in tries, with Kalyn Ponga, Greg Marzhew and Dylan Lucas crossing the line. Ponga's missed conversions kept the Sharks in the game. A late 40/20 attempt by Trindall nearly backfired, giving Newcastle one final chance to snatch victory.

What's next for Hynes and the Sharks?

The win keeps Cronulla in playoff contention as they prepare for their next challenge. Hynes' kicking form will be vital in upcoming matches, while Trindall's playmaking continues to be a key weapon for the Sharks.