Sharks coach insists Nicho Hynes is not to blame for Dolphins loss as savage fans shred halfback for failed try conversion after the siren

Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon is convinced Nicho Hynes should not be the scapegoat for his team’s 30-28 defeat to the Dolphins on Thursday – despite the halfback missing a conversion after the siren that would have sent the match into extra time landed.

Hynes, 27, needed a big performance to keep his Origin selection hopes alive for NSW ahead of game two on June 26 in Melbourne but he failed to seize his moment.

It’s unfair to chalk the loss up to a goal when we conceded 22 points in the first half,” Fitzgibbon said after the game.

“The answers (for the loss) lie in our defensive line in the first half.”

In the eyes of many football fans, Hynes often buckles under pressure – and that was once again the consensus on social media.

“You just knew the Hynes myth was going to choke on that kick,” shouted one supporter online.

Another wrote: ‘I’m a Sharks fan and even I think Mitch Moses should be the Blues halfback for game two.’

It wasn’t all negative, with a third supporter backing Hynes: “Honestly, for any kicker that would have been tough… Nicho was 45-48 before the miss and 25-25 at home.”

Meanwhile, Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett compared Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to Broncos legend Steve Renouf when it comes to naturally gifted athletes he has worked closely with.

It followed the full-back scoring a scintillating try from 95 yards, easily beating numerous defenders before crossing the line untouched.

“I’d say it’s in the top two or three (tryes) I’ve seen, Steve Renouf scored a try I’ll never forget and I’ll never forget this one either,” Bennett said.

‘We are very lucky with Hamiso. ‘Steve Renouf, everyone forgets him… he had those special gifts that only the special have.

“Him and Hammer would be the two players I have coached who have the absolute magic of getting to the try line and creating that moment.”