Storm and New Zealand star Jahrome Hughes was lost for words after claiming the game’s highest individual honour in a one-point dally M Medal win over James Tedesco.
The humble playmaker had to pinch himself after joining a list of champions to have won the award as he struggled to sum up his feelings.
“It’s quite surreal. I didn’t think I’d ever get the opportunity to win this award,” Hughes said.
“I sort of have butterflies at the moment, it’s kind of weird. I’m so honoured to be able to win it… I’m speechless.”
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Teary Hughes honoured with Haka | 01:18
Hughes looked back on how far he has come on his NRL journey from an unheralded fullback at the Titans and Cowboys to the top of the sport and paid tribute to the coaches that have believed in him.
“I never thought I’d be a halfback in the NRL, to be honest.” Hughes said.
“I thought I was a fullback until a guy called (Ryan) Papenhuyzen took my spot. I had to find a spot somewhere else in the team and Craig (Bellamy) made it halfback.
“It was a bit of a different transition, I never played in the halves much but he just told me not to change my game too much.
“I’d just like to thank first the Melbourne Storm, ‘Bellza’, Frank (Ponissi), the owners and the players for getting me to where I am today.
“Without that club I wouldn’t be here, I know that for sure. I’m super grateful for them, forever in their debt.”
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Hughes reserved special praise for his family and support network led by his beautiful wife Molly.
“My family. My mum, dad, sisters, my nieces and nephews — they’ve been such a massive support,” Hughes said.
“There were a few times where I wasn’t keen to carry on the rugby league dream when I was younger and they kept me at it. So I need to thank them for everything they’ve done.
“My beautiful wife, Mol, she’s been with me through it all as well. I definitely wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her.
“All the coaches I’ve had over the years, they’ve all played their part. Even my schoolteachers, I’ve had a couple of good teachers that taught me a lot at Palm Beach so I want to thank them as well.”
Hughes ,made sure to include his teammates who he will try to win a nother premiership with on Sunday against the Panthers in his big night.
“And just the players as well, especially the boys this year at the Storm, they’ve been massive for me,” Hughes said.
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“I know by me winning this I’ll get a lot of accolades but it’s definitely the guys that I play with around me that really help me do my job. They give me confidence to lead the team and that’s really helped me this year.
“Even ‘Fish’ (Panthers prop James Fisher-Harris) and ‘Taps’ (Raiders forward Joe Tapine) and the Kiwi boys last year, they installed a lot of confidence in me in the Pacific Championships and I’ve taken it into this year. They’ve really helped me grow my game as well.”
Source Agencies
