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With his coronation as NSW halfback almost complete, Nicho Hynes says the lessons of the past two years – including being dropped by coach Brad Fittler following a costly mistake on debut for Blues – has him steeled for the State of Origin blowtorch.

Fresh from leading the Sharks to a stunning win over the Roosters during Magic Round, Hynes is on the cusp of his first run-on appearance for the Blues due to his stellar form and injuries to Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses.

Hynes admitted it was a small risk to play in Brisbane after barely training during the week with a minor calf strain, but he only needs to survive 80 minutes against the Panthers next week to win his second Origin cap.

His first game came as an interchange player in Adelaide last year, when he was forced out of position and was part of a crucial missed tackle on Cameron Munster, which inspired one of the most unlikely comeback wins in Origin history.

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“I’ve learnt a helluva lot,” Hynes said. “I’ve had to eat shit and learn from it the last couple of years.

“It put me in a position to be where I am now and perform for this club, this team … I wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for my teammates and club and the lessons I’ve learned.

“There’s going to be people saying I’m not the man for the job, there will be people saying I am the man for the job. Right now, I’ve got to focus on getting this calf as good as it can be for the Panthers [game next Saturday].

“If I’m ready, the coaching staff will pick me.”

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