Nicho Hynes missed a crucial field goal attempt in extra time, resulting in a 15-14 loss to the Canterbury Bulldogs on Friday night.
What happened?
The Cronulla Sharks halfback had the chance to snatch victory with a field goal attempt from 18 metres out, but he shanked the shot.
Why it matters for Nicho Hynes
This miss continued a tough few weeks for the 2022 Dally M Medallist, who was dropped as NSW halfback following the State of Origin series opener.
Nicho Hynes has previously struggled with confidence, but coach Craig Fitzgibbon believes this experience will help shape him.
The Sharks captain, Cam McInnes, was quick to check on Hynes after the loss, stating that the team is behind him.
What comes next?
The Sharks' upcoming clashes against Gold Coast and Wests Tigers have become vital for the team to keep their top-four hopes on track.
Craig Fitzgibbon said Nicho Hynes needs to move on from his miss quickly and look forward to the next moment.
The Sharks had a 9-1 start to the year, but have since dropped four of their past five games, making their next matches crucial.
Nicho Hynes' ability to bounce back from this miss will be key to the Sharks' success, with Fitzgibbon believing he is ready to keep going after tough moments.
The loss to the Bulldogs has left the Sharks in third place on the ladder, but they could be as few as two competition points ahead of fourth place by the end of the weekend.
The Sharks' rivals are closing in, making it essential for the team to regain their momentum.
Nicho Hynes' performance will be closely watched in the upcoming matches, as the team looks to secure a top-four spot.
The Cronulla Sharks' coach, Craig Fitzgibbon, has encouraged Nicho Hynes to put his hand up in pressure situations, believing it will help him grow as a player.
The team's support for Nicho Hynes is evident, with captain Cam McInnes stating that they are all behind him.
The next few matches will be crucial for the Sharks, and Nicho Hynes' ability to perform under pressure will be vital to their success.