The Central Coast crowd rose to its feet at Polytec Stadium over the weekend, but it wasn’t just the on-field efforts that left a lasting impression.
Cronulla Sharks halfback and proud Umina Bunnies junior Nicho Hynes returned to Gosford for a special clash against the South Sydney Rabbitohs – the same ground where he made his NRL debut years ago.
True to form, Hynes didn’t just help steer his team to a 14-12 victory – he also delivered a moment to remember off the field.
After the final whistle, he ran from the field to meet a young local fan who couldn’t make it down to the sideline, making time for a photo and proving once again that class goes beyond the game.
Back at his junior club, a photo and tribute now sit proudly on display – a gesture that left Hynes both emotional and deeply thankful.
“Now, when they’re going down to training and play on Saturdays and Sundays, they can look there and be inspired,” Hynes said.
“I’m really grateful, it was a bit of a surprise, but something I’ll look back on at the end of my career.
“I appreciate what the Umina Bunnies have done and hopefully kids get inspired and become the next star out on the NRL field.”
The 28-year-old also took a moment post-match to reflect on his journey and share some motivational words with young fans.
“Hard work gets you anywhere in life and if you’re willing to work as hard as you can, whether it’s being an athlete, a school teacher, a lawyer, or whatever you want to be – if you work hard and make those sacrifices, it’s worth it in the end,” Hynes said.
“I’ve always said, don’t let your five-year-old or 10-year-old self down.
“You only get one life, so you might as well chase until you can’t chase anymore and it’s really, really worth in the end.
“I took a really long, hard road to get to where I am in this jersey, and looking back, every challenge and all the phone calls home wanting to quit and all the challenges I had to face were definitely all worth it in the end.”
The match also marked the first official NRL in the newly renamed Polytec Stadium, with a strong crowd on hand to celebrate the beginning of a new era for the iconic Gosford venue.
The evening opened with heart and culture, thanks to a moving pre-game performance by dancers from The Glen Rehab for Women, setting the tone before kick-off.
Polytec said it was proud to welcome the first official match at the Stadium, marking a significant moment in its journey as naming rights partner from July 1.
“The clash between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Cronulla Sharks was more than just a game – it symbolised the beginning of a new chapter in our connection with the Central Coast, a region we are proud to call home,” the statement said.
“As a long-standing local business and major regional employer, this partnership reflects our commitment to giving back to the people and communities that have shaped our success.”
Just days after the successful NRL match, Polytec Stadium confirmed it will host one of the biggest extreme sports shows in the world — Freestyle Kings Live — as part of its 2026 world tour.
The international stunt show will land in Gosford on Saturday,March 7, 2026, featuring motocross and BMX athletes from around the globe, headlined by Robbie Maddison and his sons, 14-year-old Kruz and 11-year-old Jagger.
“My boys share the same passion I have for this sport,” Maddison said.
“And while I might be a bit biased, I think it’s the favourite part of the show for the crowd.”
Joining them will be 20-time X Games medallist Rob Adelberg and an elite international FMX and BMX crew — all promising a gravity-defying night of entertainment.
With no show scheduled for Newcastle, promoter Josh Hannah said the Central Coast was a natural choice.
“Regional Australia is at the very forefront of our thinking when it comes to live events,” he said.
The show is expected to deliver a $500,000 economic boost, with everything from food and beverages to security and machinery being sourced locally.
“The Freestyle Kings Live event will showcase our stadium and the Central Coast region on the world stage,” Polytec Stadium Venue Manager Kath Casey said.
“We are passionate about bringing world-class sport and entertainment to the region, which helps to drive visitation, generate business and create local jobs.
“It’s a very exciting event that will capture the imagination of everyone in our community and sports fans around Australia.
“We hope to see as many people as possible join us on the beautiful Central Coast as we welcome some of the finest riders in the world to Polytec Stadium.”
Tickets go on sale August 28 through Ticketek.
