Storm Halfback Hughes Suffers Shoulder Injury, Future Uncertain
Coach Bellamy Admits Side May Not Fully Recover from Key Playmaker’s Absence
Melbourne Storm’s premiership aspirations have been dealt a significant blow with star halfback Jahrome Hughes sustaining a dislocated shoulder in their hard-fought victory over the Sydney Roosters. Coach Craig Bellamy has publicly stated the team will struggle to compensate for the loss of their Dally M Medallist.
Hughes Injured in Tackling Incident
The crucial injury occurred in the second half of the 34-30 win as Hughes attempted to tackle the Roosters’ James Tedesco. The 30-year-old immediately signalled distress and was attended to by medical staff, with commentators noting his evident pain.
“Oh dear, this does not look good.”
—Andrew Voss, Fox League Commentator
Hughes was unable to have his shoulder relocated on the field, necessitating his transport to hospital via ambulance for further assessment and potential surgical intervention.
Bellamy Expresses Concern Over Hughes’ Impact
Coach Craig Bellamy acknowledged the severity of the situation, admitting that the team would “probably won’t recover completely” from losing their primary playmaker. Hughes, the reigning Dally M Player of the Year, is considered an indispensable part of the Storm’s structure and success.
“No one wants to lose their halfback. He’s a massive part of our footy team, without a doubt. We probably won’t recover completely because he’s the Dally M player of the year last year so we all know what a good player he is. However long he’s out for, we’re going to miss him.”
—Craig Bellamy, Melbourne Storm Coach
The absence of a player like Hughes, who averaged 138 running metres per game last season, highlights the significant void he leaves. This level of disruption can impact a team’s rhythm and scoring ability, with statistics showing a drop in team performance when key playmakers are absent.
Replacement Options Emerge
With Hughes sidelined, the responsibility for the number seven jersey will likely fall to either the versatile Tyran Wishart or the promising young talent Jonah Pezet. Bellamy indicated that the decision would be based on what best suits the team’s strategy moving forward.
The returning Cameron Munster, who has been on personal leave, is expected to partner whoever takes over at halfback next week. Munster‘s return will be vital for the Storm as they navigate this challenging period.
