Melbourne Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes has capped a stellar season with the Dally M medal.
Hughes beat Roosters skipper James Tedesco, who finished second just one point behind after the count came down to the final round of the season.
The 29-year-old was clearly taken aback and looked emotional when the reality sunk in.
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“It’s quite surreal. I didn’t think I’d ever get the opportunity to win this award. 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,” Hughes said.
SEE THE PICS: DALLY M AWARDS RED CARPET PHOTO SPECIAL
Dally M win leaves Hughes “speechless” | 06:17
After Hughes made an acceptance speech several Kiwi players made their way to the front of the room to show their respect by performing the Haka.
Hughes’ victory came despite having six points deducted after a one-game suspension for making contact with a referee in Round 2.
Hughes was rested in Round 26 with Tedesco scoring two points in a loss, putting the count to 56-55.
In Round 27, Tedesco polled the maximum six points — as did Hughes to win the award 62-61.
Hughes gives the Storm a record sixth Dally M Medal win, joining Cameron Smith (two), Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk (two).
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“I never thought I’d be a halfback in the NRL, to be honest. 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,” Hughes said.
“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.
“My family. My mum, dad, sisters, my nieces and nephews — they’ve been such a massive support.
“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.
“And just the players as well. Especially the boys this year at the Storm, they’ve been massive for me. 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.”
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Meanwhile the Dally M Team of the Year was named:
Fullback – James Tedesco (Roosters)
Wingers – Zac Lomax (Dragons) & Brian To’o (Panthers)
Centres – Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs) & Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins)
Five-eighth – Tom Dearden (Cowboys)
Halfback – Jahrome Hughes (Storm)
Hooker – Harry Grant (Storm)
Prop – Joe Tapine (Raiders) & Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors)
Second-rowers – Angus Crichton (Roosters) & Eli Katoa (Storm)
Lock – Isaah Yeo (Panthers)
Coach of the Year Craig Bellamy, captain of the year was Stephen Crichton and rookie of the year was Jack Bostock.
The NRLW Team of the Year was revealed as:
Fullback – Abbi Church (Eels)
Wingers – Julia Robinson (Broncos) & Stacey Waaka (Broncos)
Centres – Isabelle Kelly (Roosters) & Tiana Penitani (Sharks)
Five-eighth – Zahara Temara (Raiders)
Halfback – Lauren Brown (Titans)
Hooker – Keely Davis (Roosters)
Props – Millie Elliott (Roosters) & Shannon Mato (Titans)
Second-rowers – Olivia Kernick (Roosters) & Yasmin Clydsdale (Knights)
Lock – Simaima Taufa (Raiders)
Roosters back-rower Kernick held on to win the NRLW Dally M Medal.
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Source Agencies
