“There’s no way in the world they should get rid of it. It does so many good things for so many people.”
Hynes said his initial selection in the All Stars, in 2022, provided his first real chance to explore and embrace his Indigenous heritage.
“I didn’t really know a lot about it, or grow up with the culture, purely because of the fact I had nobody around to learn off,” he said.
“So, going into that All Stars camp, it changed my life for the better.
“I’ve become such a proud Indigenous man, and I’m so comfortable in my own skin now. I’ll always want to go into these All Stars camps and keep evolving into a better person.
Nicho Hynes says the All Stars clash was crucial in understanding his Indigenous heritage.Credit: Getty Images
“So, no, I don’t think they need to get rid of it. They just need to maybe find a better place for it, and I don’t have that answer.”
Asked for his thoughts on when the All Stars could alternatively be scheduled, Hynes replied: “Personally I like it at the beginning of the year, because you fill your cup up, you connect with your people and you’re ready for a big year.
“So I like it then, but I suppose a lot of the coaches and clubs probably don’t, because they lose their players for a period.
“I don’t know. Maybe you could play it at the end of the year as part of the Pac Champs [Pacific Championships]? Maybe you could have an Australian team and an Indigenous team, possibly?
“I don’t know. They’re going to have to find somewhere to put it, because there’s no way in the world they should get rid of it.”
Hynes’ playmaking partner at Cronulla, Braydon Trindall, who has also played three times for the Indigenous All Stars, said he was disappointed that he would have to miss this year’s edition.
“I want to play, but coming back from a shoulder reconstruction, I just have to do the right thing by myself and the Sharks,” he said.
“But if it was on a better weekend, it would have been awesome to play again.
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“I love playing in that game. It would be awesome if they could find a spot that allows everyone to play in it again.”
