A vocal mental health advocate, Indigenous leader and all-round champion of worthy causes, Hynes is one of four remaining contenders for the honour alongside the Titans’ Brian Kelly, Eels’ Shaun Lane and Cowboys’ Reuben Cotter.
The winner will be announced in grand final week.
The finalists were chosen from a 17-man list comprising one nominee from each club, with the players forming the NRL Community Team of the Year and netting $1000 for their junior club on account of their off-field impact.
Hynes won the fan vote to advance to the final four, earning another $2500 for the Umina Bunnies and Gotcha4Life thanks to the NRL and Westpac. A judging panel selected the other finalists for the 36th annual Ken Stephen Medal.
The halfback’s long list of community achievements this year includes initiating Cronulla’s inaugural Mental Fitness Round against the Dragons, participating in an array of Sharks Have Heart programs and clinics and even helping to save a man’s life with the aid of assistant coaches Steve Price and Daniel Holdsworth.
“I’m humbled to be a finalist for the Ken Stephen Medal,” Hynes said.
“Thank you to all the fans who voted for me. It’s through your support that we, as players, are empowered to make a difference in the community.
“Congratulations to my fellow finalists and nominees. There is truly so much outstanding work being done by players right across our great game.”
Sharks Head of Community Vinh Tran said: “Nicho consistently goes out of his way to lend his profile to important causes and make an impact.
“He often takes it upon himself to assist those who are doing it tough, not for publicity or out of obligation but because he’s simply a good human who cares.
“We’re so proud to see him recognised as a Ken Stephen Medal finalist for the second time after being nominated in 2022. He would be a worthy winner.
“Nicho and our NRLW Veronica White Medal nominee Emma Tonegato epitomise our commitment to being the ‘community club’ and creating meaningful change.”
