Rugby League Hynes won’t let Origin define him as Kangaroos utility

Nicho Hynes says he is better equipped for his Australian Test debut off the bench than he was for his tough 12-minute foray into State of Origin this year.

Hynes was named as one of two debutants in Mal Meninga’s Australian side to face New Zealand in the Pacific Championships in Melbourne on Saturday, with Brisbane prop Tom Flegler also coming into the side.

Hynes’ Kangaroos debut will cap a roller-coaster year for the Cronulla star, who debuted for NSW in June but was dropped after one match when he was thrown on at right centre for the final 12 minutes.

Playing out of position, Hynes missed a tackle in the lead-up to a Queensland try.

Blues coach Brad Fittler was heavily criticised for his use of the 2022 Dally M Medallist.

The Sharks star’s club form slipped dramatically for the following month, with Hynes later admitting that match and the Origin axe had affected his…