NRL star Nicho Hynes opens up about mental health anxiety and his new mission to save lives

Cronulla Sharks superstar Nicho Hynes has spoken about his mental anguish growing up and his new mission to give back and save lives.

Hynes had a trying childhood, with his parents separating when he was a child – and then his stepfather was killed in a truck accident when he fell asleep at the wheel.

With his mother in prison, Nicho lived with his father Mick Wilson and brother Wade and at times his mental health suffered and he fell into a depressed state.

“It was 2017 and I was a shell of myself,” Hynes told News Corp.

“I didn’t know where I would one day be. I had no idea about life.

Sharks star launches Mental Fitness Round on Sunday to raise awareness

Now the talented halfback is on top form and excited to lead Cronulla’s first round of mental fitness, which kicks off against the Dragons on Sunday.

“I’ve been a big advocate over the last few years with my story and talking about mental health, I’ve talked about it out loud so much, so I have to follow through on it,” he said.

“I felt like if I wanted to be someone who advocates for this and speaks out, then I have to do something about it.”

“There is no better feeling than seeing a young child or someone message me to tell me I changed their life.

“I don’t want to sound arrogant at all. But it’s better than scoring a try in any football match.

“Sometimes we forget the impact we can have on people.

“Off the pitch that’s where I would like to leave my mark, it’s hard to express in words and how I feel when someone tells me I was able to do that.”

Hynes says he also pays closer attention to his teammates to see if they are struggling.

Hynes (pictured with his mother) says helping young people is better than saving lives

“As a professional rugby union player, you’re faced with so many different angles and pressures that a lot of people don’t see,” he said.

“I’ll look for when one of the players walks through the door, maybe they don’t have as much energy as they usually do, or maybe they don’t have a smile on their face that day- there.

“I think there are a lot of boys watching this player, even before I get to him.”