The Mole: Sharks star admits team has suffered in Nicho Hynes' absence

No one will be happier at Nicho Hynes' return to the Cronulla team against the Dragons on Sunday than the Sharks' Kiwi international forward Briton Nikora.

Hynes and Nikora formed a lethal combination on the team's right edge last season and it was a major factor in the team's successful season.

And just as significantly, Hynes' absence through injury has dulled Nikora's effect at the start of 2023 and been a leading reason for the Sharks' slow start in the opening three rounds.

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"It will be great to have Nicho back - for the team and for me," Nikora told Wide World of Sports.

"'Trindo' (Braydon Trindall) did a good job in the last few weeks but there is only one Nicho.

"He's a special talent who plays what he sees and he makes me look good.

"We enjoy combining on the right edge and it will be great to have him back.

"We haven't played as well as we would have liked to start the season.

"But it's early days and we have time to get it right."

Nikora believes he will be a better player in 2023 after the experience of last year's World Cup.

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"It was my first time in England and I learned a lot," he said.

"Playing against the best players in the world in different conditions was a great experience."

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