'That's history': Hynes, Luai re-unite in bid for Origin redemption

Blues coach Michael Maguire believes last year’s horror Origin debut has helped prepare halfback Nicho Hynes to lead the NSW team around in Wednesday night’s series opener at Accor Stadium.

Hynes, who was thrust into action in the first match of last year’s series in the unfamiliar position of right centre with just 12 minutes remaining, lost his spot after the Maroons overcame an 18-16 deficit to triumph 26-18.

However, Maguire has entrusted Hynes to not only organise the team in attack but has also given him the goal kicking duties in a show of faith for the 2022 Dally M Medallist.

Nicho Hynes is ready to steer the Blues around in Origin I after overcoming a calf injury. ©Anthony Kourembanas/NRL Photos

“That’s history,” Maguire said of Hynes’ performance in Adelaide last year. “You’re thrown into the deep end in a quick game, it’s moving, and to be honest if anything it's a great experience for him.

“Everyone faces a little bit [of adversity] in their career, and he's no different. He's prepared really well, and he knows his role coming into this game.

“He has been excellent in training. The way he has grown through the week in the camp I am really proud of him and what he has shown us, and I can’t wait to see him out there.”

The 27-year-old playmaker came into the Blues team under an injury cloud after being ruled out at halftime of Cronulla’s Round 12 match against Penrith with calf tightness, but Maguire rejected criticism of Hynes in the 46-0 loss.

“Have you watched the previous 10 games that he's played? No doubt, he's a human being - he's thinking about Origin, you’re thinking about all sorts of things,” Maguire said.

“I've had many players go through exactly what he went through in that last game.”

Hynes will partner Penrith five-eighth Jarome Luai in the halves and while they have not played together at senior level the pair have a combination forged in touch football.

Nicho Hynes and Jarome Luia played touch football together for NSW All Schools.

“Me and Romy have known each other for a long time, since we were young, so it is good to rekindle the relationship,” Hynes said.

“We played touch footy at school, we got selected for NSW All Schools and we went to Coffs Harbour, and we played against all different states in the national tournament.

"We beat Queensland in the grand final, which was nice. It’s good to be back playing together.

“He was pretty shy back then, but he was really good value and energy for the team. He would get around the hotel where we were staying with his guitar, and we used to love listening to him play the guitar and sing.”

Jarome Luai is eying Origin redemption after being recalled by new Blues coach Michael Maguire. ©Anthony Kourembanas/NRL Photos

Luai said: “Nicho was the same back then, he had the beachy vibe and was laidback, but you just knew he was a freak. We have reminisced about that and we are really excited to get out there together again”.

The pair met again in the 2015 NYC under 20s grand final, with Luai starring in Penrith’s 34-18 defeat of Hynes’ Manly team.

After being dropped for last year’s third Origin at Accor Stadium, Luai said both he and Hynes had a point to prove in the Blues jersey.

“I think we are in the same boat and we both get another opportunity to show the state that we are made for Origin, and we get to do that together,” Luai said.

“I’m really keen to do my best and to see him at his best. I’m ready to go, man. We are very strong in our beliefs and our cultures and hopefully we can bring that onto the footy field and unleash the energy that we have.”