The Sharks congratulate Nicho Hynes on being awarded the 2024 NRL Ken Stephen Medal tonight in recognition of his immense community contribution and impact.
Hynes received the significant honour at the Dally M Awards ceremony in Sydney. He was selected by an esteemed judging panel from a field including fellow finalists Reuben Cotter (Cowboys), Shaun Lane (Eels) and Brian Kelly (Titans).
As one of the NRL’s highest-profile players, Hynes powerfully uses his voice to call attention to mental health awareness, Indigenous issues and other worthy causes.
Nicho Hynes wins 2024 Ken Stephen Medal
The 28-year-old halfback also frequently dedicates time to participating in Sharks Have Heart programs while quietly helping countless people outside of his club-organised community activities.
Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta reiterated the club’s pride in Hynes, who continues to be a shining example of compassion, generosity and resilience despite the constant glare of the spotlight.
"Nicho is an outstanding footballer, an even better person and a most deserving Ken Stephen Medal winner," Mezzatesta said.
"No matter the challenges that come his way, including the seemingly unrelenting external noise, he always stands tall and conducts himself with absolute class.
"It takes a special person to forge ahead regardless and strive to be the best possible leader, teammate, friend and player. He is always in demand but selflessly gives his time and spreads kindness to as many people as he can.
"Thank you to all the Members and fans who have contacted us directly with messages of support for Nicho in recent times. He is a vital part of our club.
"We’re all firmly behind Nicho and look forward to seeing him thrive on and off the field for the Sharks next season and long into the future."
The Ken Stephen Medal – Man of the Year prize was introduced in 1988 to acknowledge the efforts of NRL players who go above and beyond in charity work, youth development or community support.
Hynes is the latest in a long line of players to claim the prestigious medal while at the Sharks, joining the likes of Ronaldo Mulitalo (2021), Sam Tagataese (2017), Jason Stevens (2005), David Peachey (2003) and Andrew Ettingshausen (1999), underlining the club's commitment to the community.
"I'm always grateful and honoured to be up for these sort of awards but, as players, we don't do it for these awards; we do community stuff because we love it and we want to be positive role models," Hynes said on stage.
"There are so many players out there in our game in the NRL and NRLW who are doing great things, so I could probably chop up this (medal) into little pieces and hand it out to lots of players who are doing it without the limelight and without being seen.
"I just love seeing so many players out there doing great things. Hopefully, we can continue to build and grow what we do in the community, because there's certainly a lot of people out there who need role models like us who are doing it tough."
Each team nominated a player for the award, presented by Westpac, forming the NRL Community Team of the Year. In a measure of his popularity across the rugby league world, Hynes won a fan vote that ensured his place of one of four finalists.
Ken Stephen Medal winners
1988 Wayne Pearce
1989 Ricky Walford
1990 Michael Bolt
1991 Pat Jarvis
1992 Peter Sterling
1993 Michael Andrews
1994 Ian Roberts
1995 Rod Wishart
1997 Paul Harragon
1998 Mark Coyne
1999 Andrew Ettingshausen
2000 Nathan Blacklock
2002 Hazem El Masri
2003 David Peachey
2004 Dean Widders
2005 Jason Stevens
2006 Michael Monaghan
2007 Ruben Wiki
2008 Preston Campbell
2009 Nathan Hindmarsh
2010 Andrew Ryan
2011 Sam Thaiday
2012 Johnathan Thurston
2013 Terry Campese
2014 Trent Hodkinson
2015 Luke Douglas
2016 Joel Thompson
2017 Sam Tagataese
2018 Ryan James
2019 Iosia Soliola
2020 Connor Watson
2021 Ronaldo Mulitalo
2022 Cody Walker
2023 Latrell Mitchell
2024 Nicho Hynes
