NZ Warriors have reportedly set their sights on luring Melbourne Storm revelation Nicho Hynes.
According to Sydney Morning Herald, the Kiwi NRL club has tabled a monster $AU1.5 million ($NZ1.59m) offer for the 24-year-old to join the team to play in the halves next season
Filling in for star injured fullback Ryan Papanhuyzen this year, Hynes has been sensational for the Storm, attracting interest from several clubs with a string of standout performances. His contract with the powerhouse club expires at the end of this season.
Hynes' future with the Storm appears to be limited, with his path to a starting berth blocked by the likes of Papenhuyzen and Queensland State of Origin linchpin Cameron Munster.
While rookie sensation Reece Walsh would likely retain the starting fullback role, Hynes may slot into the Warriors halves at the expense of either Kodi Nikorima or Chanel Harris-Tavita.
In April, Nikorima inked an extension with the Warriors through until the end of the 2022 season.
Captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's early departure to pursue a career in rugby frees up significant cap space for the Warriors, allowing them to set their sights high within the free agent market.
But they'll face stiff competition to win Hynes' signature, with the Sharks, Raiders, Broncos, Storm and Dragons all reportedly in hot pursuit of the Australian's services.
Strom coach Craig Bellamy has expressed his deire to keep him in Victoria, although he's realistic about Hynes' situation.
"We're obviously really, really keen to keep him and hopefully we can," Bellamy said last week, after Hynes sparkling performance in the win over the Raiders.
"He's playing some really good footy at the moment but we’d like him to stay.
"He's fitted in really well with us and he’s definitely in our 17... he can fill a whole heap of spaces so like I say, we'd love to hang onto him if we can."
The Warriors will get a first-hand glimpse of Hynes' potential after their upcoming bye week, when they take on the Storm in Gosford on June 13.
