Cronulla Sharks playmaker remains one of the most heavily scrutinised NSW Blues players to have featured in State of Origin this century.
At 29-years-old, he has been written off by many rugby league analysts, who argue his game doesn’t suit the brutal and mentally intense nature of Origin football.
He featured in the opening games of the 2023 and 2024 series, both losses for New South Wales before being dropped.
The Blues went on to win the next two matches and secure the series without him, and he hasn’t been selected since.
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Speaking on Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday night, former Blues coach Phil Gould argued Nicho Hynes "didn't really get a fair go" in his Origin opportunities.
The Cronulla halfback admitted he may not have made the most of his time in camp with the Blues.
"I still have dreams to play in rep games. I loved my time playing for Australia on that tour, that was the best thing I've ever experienced," Hynes said on 100% Footy.
"Origin has been a tough one for me. Maybe I wasn't as ready as I thought I was at the time.
‘We had some trying circumstances where we had someone sent off in the first 10 minutes, we had to play with 12 (players) the rest of the game. I've been dealt some different cards in those arenas, but I've definitely learned from it,” Hynes stated.
"If I was to get picked again I guess I would put myself out there more in the NSW camp. I probably didn't bond as well with some of the team as I could have.
"It was definitely a good experience. I would never have a rep jersey and say it was a bad experience. You've got to learn from everything, every experience is a lesson and you've got to take what you can out of it.
"If I never played for NSW again at least I can say I wore the Blues jersey proud, and I tried my best. Sometimes your best isn't good enough and so be it."
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Hynes debuted for the Blues in 2023 with Cleary already established at halfback. Now, the Sharks star is hoping for the chance to start alongside the four-time premiership winner.
"I would love to get back into that arena, for sure, and I would love to play alongside Nathan one day," he said.
"I would love to wear the six next to him as the seven.
"But it's about me putting my best foot forward for the Sharks, and we're up the top of the table I'm usually playing good footy, and I'll be putting my name up for it anyway."