NRL 2021: Nicho Hynes clarifies his sexuality after photo frenzy

Cronulla Sharks recruit Nicho Hynes has clarified his sexuality after a photo of him and a male friend was misinterpreted by fans online.

Hynes posted a photo on Instagram this week showing himself and a male friend with his arm around the former Melbourne Storm star.

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The 25-year-old captioned the photo “my type,” sparking a flood of supportive messages from fans who apparently thought the two were in a relationship.

Hynes then changed the caption to “best buddy” before clarifying his sexuality.

“Hey guys, I want to clarify something that has been brought to my attention over the last 24 hours,” Hynes wrote on Thursday.

“First of all, I would like to say that I have nothing against the gay community and I fully support it.

“I posted a photo of my best buddy and me a few days ago.

“I noticed that people have made it seem like I was saying in the post that he is my partner. Which is definitely not the case.

“He has been my best friend for 25 years and has been happily together with his girlfriend for about eight years.

“I would appreciate it if you would respect that. I am 100 percent interested in women.”

Hynes emerged as a superstar during his time with Melbourne in 2021 and will hope to regain that form when he begins a three-year contract with Cronulla in 2022.

James Faulkner at the centre of a similar situation

Australian cricketer James Faulkner experienced a similar situation in 2019 when he posted a photo with a friend and wrote: “Birthday dinner with boyfriend #5yearstogether”.

Fans interpreted the post as Faulkner coming out as gay on the occasion of his 29th birthday.

After unwanted headlines were created, the all-rounder edited the caption to add (best buddy!!!) and clarified the situation.

“There seems to be a misunderstanding regarding my post last night,” he said.

“I’m not gay, but it was fantastic to see the support from and for the LGBT community.

“Let’s never forget, love is love but @robjubbsta is just an amazing friend.

“Last night we celebrated five years of being roommates! It’s great that you all support each other so much.”

Cricket Australia also apologised for any unintentional offence that may have been caused by the post.

“Cricket Australia does not view James Faulkner’s sociopolitical comments this morning as a joke, nor does James himself,” it said in a statement.

“James and CA support the LGBQTI community and understand that coming out can be an incredibly emotional time.

“This post was by no means intended to ridicule this, but the support from the community has been overwhelming and positive.

“Cricket Australia apologises for any unintended offence.”

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