Cronulla Sharks star Nicho Hynes gives his Paul Green Medal to the late NRL star and coach’s son
Heartwarming moment Sharks star Nicho Hynes proves he’s the classies player in the NRL by giving his Paul Green medal and jersey to the late NRL legend’s children
- Cowboys and Sharks played for Paul Green Medal
- Tribute to champion former player and coach
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There’s class, then there’s Nicho Hynes. The Cronulla halfback was the standout winner of the Paul Green medal for best on the pitch against the Cowboys on Thursday night, but quickly handed the medal to the late NRL champion’s son in an emotional post-match gesture.
Green won a premiership as a coach with the Cowboys and won the Rothmans Medal as the best player in the league during his 95 games as a Cronulla Shark.
Tragically, Green passed away last year at just 49 years old after battling chronic traumatic encephalopathy [CTE]a crippling neurological condition caused by concussions during his playing career.
The two clubs agreed to honor their fallen champions with the medal and Green’s family and some 50 supporters also turned out for the match on Thursday night.
Hynes was the clear winner after steering the Sharks to an emphatic 44-6 victory over the injury-plagued Cowboys, but he presented the medal to Green’s 10-year-old son Jed to remember his father.
Paul Green began his NRL journey with the Cronulla Sharks, playing nearly 100 games and winning the Rothman’s Medal as the best player in the league
Hynes poses for a photo with the Paul Green Medal alongside NRL legend’s widow Amanda and children Jed and Emerson
The man-of-the-match then ripped off his game-worn shirt and presented it to Green’s 14-year-old daughter Emerson.
It was a gesture that genuinely touched the children and their mother – Green’s widow – Amanda Green.
“What a great guy, what he did for my two kids last night, I will be forever grateful,” Amanda said.
“The smiles on their faces were priceless.”
Speaking to News Corp, Hynes said he knew he had to make the gesture when he saw the kids.
“It was special to see those kids smile after all they’ve been through,” Hynes said.
“And if I could do something as small as that, by giving Emerson my jersey with the number seven on the back like Paul once wore and handing Jed the first-ever medal, as honored as I was to receive it, I felt it was more important is for them to hold.”
Hynes was the clear winner of the Paul Green Medal after dismantling the North Queensland Cowboys in a perfect game performance
The kids were invited back to the Sharks sheds after the game, where Hynes handed them the medal and jersey
Amanda Green hugs Hynes and thanks him for supporting the Green family on a special night for the club
Speaking to the loyal supporters who stayed behind for the presentation after the game, Hynes spoke of the impact Green had on both clubs.
“It is an absolute honor to receive this award for the first time,” he said.
“Paul Green is an integral part of this club, player No. 290 and a special part of both clubs. He holds a special place in our hearts with the Cronulla Sharks.
“Thank you so much for coming to the family and all the friends who have played a part in Paul’s life.
“It’s a crazy feeling right now because I know how much he means to everyone here.
“Thanks to our boys for such a good performance. To the fans for rocking out tonight, it’s late Thursday night, but you guys are awesome.
“Everybody make sure we check in on each other, because you never know what’s going on.”