NRL sensation Nicho Hynes has shared a heartfelt message following the tragic deaths of two former AFL players this past week.
The AFL community is in mourning after the discovery of former Brisbane Lion Troy Selwood’s body on Tuesday. The sorrow deepened when it was confirmed on Wednesday that former West Coast Eagle Adam Hunter had also passed away. The authorities have stated that neither death is being treated as suspicious.
As a halfback for the Cronulla Sharks, Hynes is a prominent advocate for mental health awareness within Australian sport.
“Addressing mental health is arguably the most important issue we face today,” Hynes expressed in an interview with Wide World of Sports.
“We’ve moved beyond the times when men felt they couldn’t discuss their emotions. We’re not stuck in the early 2000s or ’90s—it’s okay to open up about one’s feelings. The rate of suicide is alarmingly high, and it’s time we confront this issue head-on and encourage open conversations about our emotions.”
“Selwood and Hunter were both successful in their careers, but we can only speculate what challenges they faced afterwards. We need to establish better support systems for athletes transitioning out of their sporting careers.”
Nicho Hynes of the Cronulla Sharks. Getty
Hynes, along with former Sharks player Dale Finucane, serves as an ambassador for Find ya Feet, an organisation dedicated to running workshops at schools and sports clubs, aimed at assisting individuals of all ages in navigating life’s challenges.
Notable ambassadors for Find ya Feet also include swimming icon Samantha Riley, cricket superstar Matthew Hayden, and former AFL player Majak Daw.
In 2024, Hynes has partnered with Gus Worland to co-launch an annual Mental Fitness Round at Shark Park, under the Gotcha4Life initiative.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, a tragic total of 3,214 Australians lost their lives to suicide in 2023, comprising 2,419 males and 795 females.
The 28-year-old Hynes highlighted an important analogy:
“When you’re unwell, you visit a doctor,” he reflected. “Whether it’s a cough or something more serious, you need treatment. The same goes for mental health; you should seek help and acquire the resources necessary to improve your mental state. Just as ignoring a cough can lead to further complications, neglecting your mental health can also lead to deterioration if left unaddressed.”
Former Brisbane Lion Troy Selwood (left) and ex-West Coast Eagle Adam Hunter. Getty
Tributes continue to flow in for Hunter and Selwood, who last played in the AFL in 2009 and 2010 respectively.
“It’s truly heartbreaking,” Hynes remarked. “So many families are affected.”
If you or someone you know requires immediate assistance, please reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au. In case of an emergency, don’t hesitate to dial 000
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