Sharks lose star half in second minute of semi

Scott Bailey |

Nicho Hynes has failed his HIA and will miss the majority of Cronulla’s semi against the Roosters.
Nicho Hynes has failed his HIA and will miss the majority of Cronulla’s semi against the Roosters.

Nicho Hynes has been ruled out of the majority of Cronulla’s semi-final against the Sydney Roosters, after suffering a concussion in just the second minute.

The former Dally M Medallist was floored when his head hit Salesi Foketi’s hip as the Shark attempted a tackle on the barnstorming Roosters second-rower.

Cronulla’s No.7 was taken off the field as a category-two head injury assessment, but failed the test and was ruled out for the rest of the game.

It also means if the Sharks do progress to next weekend’s preliminary final, Hynes would not be able to face the Dolphins without an appeal.

Cronulla’s chances of winning through took an immediate hit with the Hynes knock, as Foketi charged down field and Lindsay Collins scored next play.

Collins
Lindsay Collins crosses over to give the Sydney Roosters an early lead. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)

The Roosters then went 12-0 up after 12 minutes when Daniel Tupou outleapt Sione Katoa.

Niwhai Puru came on at halfback for the Sharks, playing on the left edge with Braydon Trindall moving to the right.

Making matters worse for Cronulla, centre Mawene Hiroti limped off in the 20th minute after battling a groin injury ahead of the finals.

AAP