- Cronulla Sharks NRL star stepped out in a tuxedo for the ceremony
- Hynes had hosting duties on Aussie Music’s night of nights
- He was joined by an author and TV presenter on the red carpet
Footy star Nicho Hynes has turned heads by attending the ARIA Awards in the company of a mystery woman who joined him on the red carpet.
The 27-year-old Sharks star cut a fine figure in a tuxedo after being styled by celebrity fashion guru Jamie Azzopardi for the ceremony at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday.
He wasn’t just a fan, though; Hynes was on hand as the red carpet host for the event, as was the woman he posed with, author Marlee Silva.
Hynes stepped out at the ARIAs on Wednesday with author and TV presenter Marlee Silva
The pair both handled hosting duties on Aussie Music’s night of nights
The 26-year-old Indigenous writer, commentator and TV host is known for her work on First Nations women’s issues and wrote the best-selling book My Tidda, My Sister.
Based in Sydney, Silva has also worked as a side commentator on NRLW matches for Channel Nine, having previously covered rugby league for the ABC, including the 2022 World Cup.
“How lucky I am to have been embraced with open arms by the @nrlonnine fam (family),” she posted on Instagram.
“Incredible season and an incredible experience that I am so grateful for. I learned so much and I can’t wait to go again!’
Just before the ceremony, she posted a photo on Instagram of her and Hynes with their fellow ARIA Awards presenters, Matildas star Kyah Simon and TV presenter Matty Mills.
The appearance at the awards comes amid a year full of drama for Hynes, who has faced criticism for his form on the pitch and drama off it.
Silva (pictured) is an Indigenous author who wrote the best-selling book My Tidda, My Sister
She also worked as a side commentator on NRLW for Channel Nine this season
He was accused of failing to deliver on his $1 million-a-year superstar promise when the Sharks hit a rough patch mid-season, and was dropped by NSW for game two of the State of Origin series after missing a match missed. crucial tackle coming off the bench in the first match of the series.
Hynes fought back to guide Cronulla to the final and was included in the Kangaroos squad for the Pacific Championships.
His mother Julie came to live with him in July, just after her release from prison for supplying heroin – and just weeks after he bought a $2.17 million house in Sydney’s south.
The property came complete with a self-contained house for Julie, who agreed to live there for at least two years as part of her sentence.
Silva posted a photo of her, Hynes, Matildas star Kyah Simon (second from right) and TV presenter Matty Mills (right) before their performances at the ARIA Awards
“She will now be with me forever,” he told Judge David Wilson during his mother’s sentencing hearing.
Outside court, he said he would like to put his mother’s difficult history behind him.
“I’m very happy that I can now move past this and bring my mother home and take care of her, and put her in a community that will take care of me and take care of her,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to her being the generous and loving person I know she is.”
Hynes was listed as single in the Daily Telegraph’s recent analysis of the wives and girlfriends of Sharks stars, and was previously in a relationship with beauty entrepreneur Morgan Belier.