The lawyers for Nicho Hynes’ mother Julie have confirmed her parole conditions permit her to travel to Adelaide to watch her son’s long-awaited State of Origin debut for NSW.
Found guilty of heroin supply in February, Ms Hynes was released from prison into her famous son’s care earlier this month but is subject to an intensive corrections order (ICO) until May 8, 2025.
As part of the conditions of her ICO, she must live at a granny flat on her son’s property for two years, complete 240 hours of community service, submit to random drug and alcohol testing and attend rehabilitation programs.
Hynes has a close relationship with his mother but despite the ongoing difficulties of his family situation has managed to continue his scintillating NRL form this season.
The 26-year-old has been in even better touch than when he won the Dally M Medal last season, and after two years on the fringes as 18th man he will make his Origin debut in the series opener on May 31.
Hynes will come off the bench for the Blues but entered camp on Sunday unsure whether his mother would be permitted to watch the game live.
“I’m not sure what she’s going to do yet,” he told AAP earlier this week.
“We’ll have to play it by ear over the next few days.
“(The family) are pumped. They can’t wait to get over there and be a part of it.”
Ms Hynes’ legal team at Spencer Lawyers have confirmed to AAP the requirement to reside at her son’s home did not preclude her from travelling interstate for the game, provided she first informed the community corrections officer assigned to her case.
Hynes learned he would be making his Origin debut after leading Cronulla to a 26-6 victory over Newcastle in Coffs Harbour on Saturday.
NSW coach Brad Fittler informed his Sharks counterpart, and former Blues assistant, Craig Fitzgibbon, who was a fitting bearer of the good news.
“It’s pretty cool that he got to tell me,” Hynes said.
“I started my time at the Sharks with Fitzy. My first-ever Origin camp, he was in there as an assistant coach in 2021.
“He’s massive for me. He took a gamble on me, bringing me to the club as his starting half. I’m just really glad I got to repay the faith he’s shown in me.
“We’ve got a really good connection. It’s going to continue to grow and hopefully I can do him proud (next) Wednesday night.”
Australian Associated Press