Arriving at the team hotel at lunchtime on Monday,in the same car as the Blues’ southern Sydney contingent of Matt Burton,Cam McInnes and Zac Lomax,Hynes said he could not wait to pull on the coveted No.7 jersey.
NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire said it was an 'easy' decision to give Jake Trbojevic the captaincy of the team.
“I got the scans. The Sharks and Blues performance staff have given me the all clear to be here and get it moving – I should be good to go,” Hynes said.
“It was a bit of a worry there once[the calf] cooled down in the middle of the game[on Saturday]. I’ll be doing what I can the next couple of days to make sure I get on the field and prepare the best I can for this team to make sure I do a job for this team.
“It’s a dream to put the blue jersey on,and the[more] you can do it the better.”
Hynes did not return for the second half against the Panthers,but expects to be running as early as Wednesday,when the Blues hold their first field session at their Blue Mountains base.
Luke Keary is in the extended squad,as is Burton,but coach Michael Maguire gave nothing away about his plan B if Hynes fails to prove his fitness.
Nicho Hynes assures reporters a calf complaint wouldn’t keep him out of the Origin opener.Kate Geraghty
Hynes’ only previous Origin experience was a late cameo in game one last year,when injected late as a centre. Hynes missed a tackle that led to a try and was dropped for the remainder of the series.
“I’ve learned plenty of lessons,” Hynes said. “I’ve matured as a player and person,and I feel like I’m in a better spot than I was this time last year physically,mentally and as a footballer.”
A group of high school students gave new captain Jake Trbojevic a cheer when he arrived at the team hotel at Sydney Olympic Park.
Jake Trbojevic said he was proud to have been given the NSW captaincy.Kate Geraghty
On his appointment as captain,Trbojevic said:“I was surprised if I’m being honest,but it’s a great honour,and any time you get to play for your state is special.
“To captain the Blues,it will be a great experience. I was very shocked,but also very proud. I’ll play the way I always do:I’ll be passionate,and that side will come out in me. Obviously,I don’t captain at club level,but one of my strengths is being passionate. I won’t change anything. And that’s what ‘Madge’[Maguire] told me to do.”
Manly teammate and Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans had reached out to Trbojevic to congratulate him,but Trbojevic joked that would be their last exchange ahead of next Wednesday.
A seasoned representative player,Trbojevic was one of the few who packed his golf clubs.
Rugby Australia’s prized recruit Joseph Suaalii,who has known Maguire since he was 13,said he had not considered whether his looming code switch could harm his chances of selection.
“I honestly haven’t really thought about rugby,” Suaalii said. “Obviously I signed a deal there,but I’m just focused on the playing for the Blues now.”
Angus Crichton and Spencer Leniu arrived together,as did Liam Martin and Jarome Luai,while Brian To’o and debutant Haumole Olakau’atu emerged from the same car.
Mitch Barnett was the first player to arrive in camp,just before midday,and immediately recalled his favourite Origin moment growing up.
“It would have to be the Paul Gallen and the ‘left,right,good night’,” said Barnett,referring to Gallen’s famous scuffle with Nate Myles in 2013.
“It’s been a long time I’ve waited for this. I’ll be a sponge and soak it all up. I’ll bring a good attitude and do whatever I can to help the boys get ready for the game.”
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