Jahrome Hughes was awarded 2021 Player of the Year at a much-anticipated ceremony, presented by RedZed, at The Glasshouse, overlooking AAMI Park in front of members, players, and staff.
With another tough year for rugby league, the 27-year-old seriously stepped up on the field with a career-best season.
Among teammates and fans alike, 9 tries and 19 try assists saw Hughes marked as a truly stand-out player, with the halfback also bringing home the RedZed Member’s Player of the Year award.
Alongside professional success, Hughesy also proposed to his now-fiancée during the off-season, adding to an already stellar year.
Player of the Year, Jahrome Hughes, winners' speech
All Smiles
Excited to finally be back together, everyone in attendance was ready to have a good time and celebrate the year that was.
CEO Justin Rodski and Chairman Matt Tripp each gave rousing speeches. Both thanked fans for their continued devotion to the club and their excitement for the 2022 season.
Coming back to cheers and applause outgoing players Josh Addo-Carr, Nicho Hynes and Dale Finucane returned for one last hurrah and spoke about their much-loved experience at the club. I’m not crying, you’re crying!
The player’s vote for best dressed swung toward rookie Jack Howarth, but everyone scrubbed up pretty schmick in the end.
One particular highlight of the night, wearing a black & white striped suit jacket, Hughesy brought back memories of a certain Bellamy fashion statement from 2019...
Remaining Awards
After taking out the Dally M for Best Hooker, Best Forward of the Year went to Brandon Smith for the second year in a row.
Also for the second year running, Ryan Papenhuyzen took home Best Back of the Year with a career-best season of 49 goals and 14 tries.
In a superb season, Nicho Hynes was a well-deserved winner of the Most Improved Player of the Year.
Young gun, Dean Ieremia was unbeatable in his first NRL season, rightfully bringing home the Bill Slater Rookie of the Year award.
Following his return from injury, Marion Seve was awarded Cooper Cronk Feeder Club Player of the Year.
And finally, winger George Jennings took out Best Try for his outstanding move down the side-line during the Round 18 match against the Knights.
Coming in as the last NRL Club awards night of 2021, Storm held off until COVID restrictions allowed for a true night of nights. With 400 guests in attendance, consisting of players, families, members and staff, the event was a long-awaited and needed celebration to end their history-making season.
