Jahrome Hughes almost quit Melbourne Storm in shock new revelation after Dally M triumph

Jahrome Hughes' manager has revealed the Dally M winner would probably be a New Zealand Warrior if not for a massive turn of events in 2019. The Melbourne Storm halfback became the second Kiwi No.7 in 32 years to win the Dally M medal on Wednesday night, after a breakout campaign for the minor premiers.

But if not for the Covid-19 pandemic, Hughes most likely would have quit the Storm and returned to his native New Zealand in 2019. The 29-year-old started out as a fullback but only played one NRL game each at the Titans and Cowboys, struggling to break into first grade.

He moved to the Storm in 2017 after Craig Bellamy identified how well he was playing in reserve grade, but even then he was being blocked by the likes of Cooper Cronk, Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen. With regular first grade appearances hard to come by and Hughes feeling home sick, he had all-but decided to pack up and return to New Zealand to take a deal with the Warriors.

But when Covid struck he had to remain in Australia because international travel was shut down. It proved a blessing in disguise for both Hughes and the Storm when he switched to halfback and thrived when Cronk joined the Roosters.

Jahrome Hughes' manager lifts the lid on client's decision

His manager Tas Barrett told Wide World of Sports on Thursday: "Jahrome felt it was time to go home and the Warriors offered him $1 million, which was big money for a halfback four or five years ago. We were all set to go over there with his partner, look at accommodation and facilities and almost certainly sign a contract. But COVID came in and prevented us from making the trip. We had a couple of Zoom chats (with Warriors officials) but it wasn't the same - and he decided to stay in Melbourne."

The twist of fate proved so fruitful that Hughes recently rejected a $6 million offer to join Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins so he could remain in Melbourne on much less money. It turned out to be a $2.4 million sacrifice, but one Hughes felt he owed Bellamy and the Storm for giving him his chance.

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New Zealand players perform haka for Jahrome Hughes

Hughes' Kiwi heritage was clear for all to see on Wednesday night when Storm teammates Will Warbrick and Eli Katoa joined Raiders player Joseph Tapine in performing a moving haka in his honour after his Dally M triumph. It brought back memories of similar scenes when fellow Kiwi Roger Tuivasa-Sheck won the medal in 2018.

"That meant a lot," Hughes said afterwards. "To see that brought a tear to my eye. For them to do that is truly special. For myself, my culture and family, it just topped off an awesome night.

"It's such a surreal feeling. I was nervous, I didn't come with too much expectations, but when it got down to the wire I was really nervous. To win this award is massive for myself. You look at the quality of players were have in the game, to be up there is a real honour. I am very humbled."

Warbrick said he had witnessed the 2018 haka to honour Tuivasa-Sheck, and wanted to follow suit. "I was a bit nervous. I just wanted to show my respect to Jahrome and acknowledge him," the Storm winger told AAP.

"We both have Maori culture, that's what it's all about. It was just off the cuff, I'm glad a couple of boys jumped in with me to make it look better. Jahrome is an integral part of the Kiwis team. It was rightful to acknowledge him by doing the haka for him."

with AAP