Cronulla are sweating on the outcome of scans on Nicho Hynes’ ankle after the Sharks superstar had to be assisted off the field at training.
Hynes went down in pain during an opposed session at PointsBet Stadium on Monday, shortly before he was due to front the media.
The 28-year-old had to be assisted from the field by two people, with the halfback not placing any weight on his ankle as he was whisked off for scans.
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Cronulla spent Monday afternoon awaiting the results of those tests, as they face the proposition of time without the 2022 Dally M Medallist.
“It’s always hard when someone goes down, especially at training when we’re not even playing,” hooker Blayke Brailey said.
“Fingers crossed it is nothing too major
“We’ll definitely be getting around him, making sure he is alright. If it happened to one of us he would be the first one there.”
Any injury to Hynes’ would represent rotten timing for the Sharks.
The club have lost five of their last six games, and have gone from first on the ladder to only four points clear of 10th spot.
Hynes’ form has come under intense scrutiny, after being dropped from NSW’s State of Origin team in that time.
Cronulla have Wests Tigers on Friday night at home, before a bye in round 20.
They then play through until the end of the regular season without another rest.
If Hynes is sidelined, it is likely Dan Atkinson would fill the void and partner Braydon Trindall in the halves.
“If someone has to step in, I am sure they will be able to do the job,” prop Tom Hazleton said.
“Anyone in the squad, you don’t want to see them getting hurt. As a mate, it doesn’t matter who it is. Hopefully nothing too bad.
“He’s a tough guy. He’s been through a bit. I have no doubt that injury aside, Nicho is Nicho. And he will be fine.”
Forward Siosifa Talakai will also miss the clash with the Tigers, after accepting a one-game ban for a high tackle in last Friday’s loss to Gold Coast.