Cronulla Sharks veteran Cameron McInnes has backed the returning Nicho Hynes as the side prepares for finals footy and a firing halfback.

Hynes has come under fire for his performances in some big games but has been named on an extended bench for Cronulla’s match this weekend.

“Whether he plays or not this week,” McInnes began.

“I just want to give him a wrap because during a time in the season where we weren’t performing to our capabilities, I feel like he took a lot of bullets for everyone.

“He’s such a strong person because when we play well, he gets the accolades.

“But when we don’t at all, it generally falls on him, so a lot of other guys can keep their head underwater and not get found out. He takes that for everyone, so I’m so proud of him and the way he’s carried himself through all of that.

“When he does get back on the field he’ll have nothing but support from us because we owe that to him.”

The Sharks host New Zealand Warriors on Saturday night.