Premiership-winning halfback Jahrome Hughes has locked in a new contract with Melbourne Storm that will extend his time with the club until the end of the 2024 NRL season.
Now regarded as one of the premier number sevens in the competition, Hughes first joined Storm in 2017 and has played 60 NRL games, including being a key figure in last season’s grand final victory against Penrith.
His three-year contract extension was announced at tonight’s Storm Season Launch, just over a week out from the start of the 2021 season when Melbourne faces South Sydney at AAMI Park.
Hughes’ breakthrough season came in 2019 when he amassed 24 matches, predominantly at fullback, but he was even more impressive last year, featuring in 19 games for just one defeat – all as Storm’s starting halfback.
As well as scoring seven tries, the 26-year-old had 15 try assists, eight linebreaks and 52 tackle breaks.
Storm General Manager – Football Frank Ponissi said Hughes’ development as a key playmaker had been one of the real highlights in the Storm playing squad over recent seasons.
"Having Jahrome re-sign with us today is a real boost for Storm as we head into the new season," Ponissi said.
He came to us having played just four NRL games in two seasons, but he has worked extremely hard on his game, with the assistance of our coaching staff, and fully deserves the rewards which have come his way.
Frank Ponissi General Manager - Football
"His switch from fullback to halfback has proved to be an outstanding success and we expect there is still plenty of improvement ahead of him.
"We have also included Jahrome in our Emerging Leadership group in the past two seasons which is another indication of how highly regarded he is here at Storm."