'No thoughts of that': Hynes relishing clear headspace amid Origin debate

Nicho Hynes takes in the silence and smiles. For the first time in three years, the Sharks halfback does not find himself in the centre of a frenzied debate around his State of Origin selection. 

It's disappointing, no doubt, not to be in the Blues conversation but Hynes has relished the opportunity to clear his head of the intense discussion of his form. 

It's no coincidence the halfback has played some of his best football throughout the past month amid a solid start to the season for Cronulla. 

Now, as he prepares to line up for the Sharks' second Mental Fitness Round, an initiative Hynes played a key role in establishing, the 28-year-old declared the freedom to focus on himself has directly led to his impressive form.

"Right now my motivation is just getting the Sharks to where we need to be," Hynes told reporters. "If the Sharks are playing great footy and I'm playing good footy, sometimes you're in the discussions. 

"Over the last couple of years I've been goal-focused on getting into that arena each year. It's nice to have no thoughts of that, not to be spoken about in contention and just really good I can focus on the Sharks. 

"You never say never, it's a dream to always play in those arenas but right now my focus is on running out on Shark Park this weekend and tackling the Melbourne Storm."

Saturday's match will mark the second edition of the club's Mental Fitness Round and it's set to build on the solid foundation laid last year. 

Partnering with Tommy Herschell and mental health awareness organisation Find Ya Feet, the Sharks hope to encourage fans to speak up and support those around them. 

Herschell has presented to players and staff throughout the week, equipping them with the skills and confidence to have honest conversations.

Hynes has been a key driver of the initiative and regularly attends school workshops run by Herschell alongside former Cronulla stars Luke Lewis and Dale Finucane. 

The mental health advocate said the ability to present football players in a raw and honest manner helps break down barriers and open up communication among participants. 

"These guys are gladiators on the field," Herschell told NRL.com. "The minute we see them play our game, play the game of life, they're honest, vulnerable and real. We look at them and see these guys as actual heroes. 

"Nicho loves to let young men know you too can make it. You just need to push through your own challenges, own it and admire your mate for doing that. 

"With players, once we learn what's going on off the field, we can be there to support them and they'll play better on it. It's the same for everyone, the more people talk about this, the more productive we can be."