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UPDATE: Cronulla star Nicho Hynes has escaped suspension for tripping Manly speedster Tolu Koula in the Sharks’ 30-26 loss on Sunday.
Hynes was put on report for illegally stopping Koula from breaking into the back field, with the incident deemed a grade one offence by the match review committee, resulting in a $1000 fine.
The halfback was notably frustrated during the thrilling 30-26 loss to the Sea Eagles and at one point copped a berating from referee Peter Gough for back chat after a forward pass ruled out a try.
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Sharks legend Paul Gallen correctly predicted the match review committee’s verdict, saying during Nine’s commentary of the match that Hynes would be out of pocket.
Hynes in hot water for trip
“I thought the game could’ve been stopped there maybe … Koula would’ve been away, I think he would’ve scored off the back of it, he’s lightning fast as we know, there was no one in front of him,” he said on Nine’s coverage.
“Nicho will probably end up with a fine out of that one.”
Hynes’ incident added insult to the wounds of the Sharks, who were down 24-0 at half-time due to some impressive Manly attack.
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The scoreline became 30-0 early into the second half, before the Sharks clicked into gear.
Manly stars combine for superb try
After the Sharks had scored their first of the night, Hynes looked like he’d set up another one for Sione Katoa only for the touch judge to have ruled a forward pass.
Hynes then looked to have yelled at the sideline official saying “that’s three today” with three fingers up before giving the same response to Gough when he was told to “come here”.
Gough then said “don’t say another word” before Hynes attempted to walk away.
“Don’t walk away from me, you don’t have the right to speak to me or my team in any manner,” the referee said.
Hynes replied: “What’d I say but? I said that’s three.”
Gough was quick to warn the halfback in response.
“Do it again and you’re going to find yourself off the field,” he said.
Despite the drama, the Sharks almost proceeded to pull off an almighty comeback but fell short at 30-26.
While Hynes will be available to face the Panthers on Saturday, his teammate Jesse Colquhoun wasn’t so lucky after being hit with a grade two dangerous contact charge for an awkward tackle on Manly giant Taniela Paseka, who immediately left the field with a suspected medial ligament injury.
Colquhoun will be suspended for one match with an early guilty plea or risk a two-match ban if he decides to fight the charge.
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