The reigning Dally M medallist left the field in agony in his team’s vital win over the Roosters.
Melbourne Storm fans watched on in horror on Thursday night as reigning Dally M medallist Jahrome Hughes left the field clutching at his shoulder, and supporters are not confident the team can win the NRL comp without the halfback. Hughes left the field early in the second half after diving to his left in an attempted tackle on James Tedesco.
Hughes got up from the tackle, but was clutching at his shoulder and left the game immediately. Hughes went straight to the hospital where his shoulder was put back into place.
And in good news for the Melbourne Storm, Hughes joined his teammates back in the hotel after his side’s gutsy 34-30 win, which keeps their hopes of a minor premiership alive. Harry Grant put on a masterclass when Hughes went off injured and the Storm showed plenty of determination with Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen also missing.
Although coach Craig Bellamy said the outlook wasn’t great for the halfback’s recovery. “I don’t think it’s overly good news,” he said after the win. “I think the longer they’re out, it’s a bigger problem … it stretches the ligaments and muscles around the joint.”
Although the severity of Hughes’ injury remains to be seen, with reporter Michael Carayannis claiming he should be back this year with the halfback delaying surgery. “Jahrome Hughes returned to the team hotel last night with his shoulder back in place,” Carayannis said on SEN Radio on Friday morning. “The Storm are confident there is no structural damage to that shoulder, which indicates they may be able to nurse him through this backend of the year.”
Carayannis said there are questions around whether Hughes will be pushed to come back before returning and if his shoulder can last the rigours of finals footy. “It’s a ticking tome bomb…at some point, you would assume, he is going to need surgery to repair it,” he added. “He might be able to play six games, he might be able to play six minutes…very early indications are that the Storm have some hope Hughes will be back this year.”
Jahrome Hughes injury throws Storm’s hopes in doubt
Bellamy was quick to admit Hughes’ injury was a major blow to the team with the New Zealand-born star set for a stint on the sideline. “Obviously no one wants to lose their halfback. He is a massive part of our footy team without a doubt,” Bellamy said. “It’ll take a bit. We probably won’t recover completely, he was the Dally M player last year. However long he is out for, we’re going to miss him.”
Fans were quick to claim Hughes is too important to the side and missing the Dally M halfback will see them drop behind Penrith, the Bulldogs and the Raiders in their quest to win the 2025 NRL premiership.
“No Munster, no Papenhuyzen as well. I think they have got enough class to still win the competition, but it will be interesting to see who they put there…what’s the sort of mix they do in the absence of Jahrome Hughes,” Carayannis said. “But I am not going to write them off, despite the fact Jahrome Hughes may not play again.”
Carayannis was full of praise for Grant who stood up and showed why he is the best No.9 in the competition. He scored a try in the first 40, and carved the Roosters apart with two try assists when Hughes left the field.
“We saw Harry Grant really change the game by himself last night. That was the best performance Harry Grant has had in about two seasons. That was a huge performance from him,” Carayannis added.
