Jahrome Hughes in huge Dally M twist as James Tedesco to take advantage of Storm 'resting' furore

Craig Bellamy's decision to rest superstar halfback Jahrome Hughes could have an impact on the Dally M race with James Tedesco looming as a favourite. Hughes has been in tremendous form throughout the 2024 campaign with the halfback stepping up in the absence of Cameron Munster and guiding the Melbourne Storm to the NRL minor premiership with two games to spare.

The New Zealander has arguably been the best halfback and player across the 25 rounds so far. Although Hughes played his best footy in the second-half of the competition in the absence of Munster. Alongside superstars Harry Grant and Ryan Papenhuyzen, the halfback didn't accumulate as many Dally M points as Tedesco in the first-half of the season before the voting went behind closed doors.

While many believe Hughes would be favourite for the Dally M medal after a number of standout performances, it could be a close race in 2024. And Bellamy's decision to rest the No.7 against the Cowboys also could be a telling moment in the season.

Tedesco and the Roosters are still in the hunt for a top two position and will be looking to produce a finals worthy performance against the Raiders this weekend. And Tedesco will have an opportunity to earn another six points if the fullback shines against a team that can leak points. Tedesco's form comes after the incumbent Kangaroos fullback was criticised for his form in 2023. The Roosters No.1 has silenced his doubters at club level and proven he is still the club's long-term solution as fullback.

Tedesco is looming as one of the favourites for the medal but he is also not the only fullback in the hunt. Manly's Tom Trbojevic has been in stellar form since returning to fullback in round 19. The fullback was on 21 points when voting went dark ahead of round 12 and could also be in for another late surge to win his second Dally M medal.

Dylan Edwards was leading with 31 points when voting went behind closed doors with Nicho Hynes not far behind on 30. Edwards missed a number of weeks due to State of Origin and injury, which could hamper his chances of wining the medal for the firs time.

Hynes' injury in round 18 could see him out of contention for the award with the Sharks halfback looming for an early return this week. Hughes was sitting on 16 points up until round 12 of the Dally M voting. The voting changed in 2023 with two judges handing out 3-2-1 points each on every game. This means a player can receive up to six points for a standout game, which can catapult outsiders into contention with a string of strong performances.

Cameron Smith defends Storm for resting players

Storm coach Bellamy admitted he was going to rest a number of players after Melbourne wrapped-up the minor premiership on Saturday, but the 11 players sitting out on Thursday still took some by surprise. Hughes, Grant, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and their edge forwards will not make the trip to Townsville after a short five-day turnaround.

Although Papenhuyzen and Munster will play alongside Grant Anderson who has surprisingly been named at halfback. There was backlash over the decision to rest so many players with the game now appearing easier for the Cowboys who would invite three points in their hunt for a top four finish.

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Reporter Phil Rothfield claimed the Cowboys and Storm clash loses its appeal with so many superstars missing. But Storm legend Smith was one former player to defend Bellamy's right to rest a host of players.

"That's the whole basis of resting. They have wrapped up the minor premiership and have achieved something very special. It is something extremely hard to do. Teams that go on to win minor premierships each season, I don't think there is enough credit to those particular clubs. It is such a hard thing to do. They have had to be the best team in 25 rounds of rugby league," Smith said on SEN Radio, Radio, acknowledging there is still two weeks to go.

"We tend to sweep under the carpet how difficult it is to win a minor premiership. The Storm, they have got the opportunity to rest players that have played State of Origin, they have played long minutes and played every round of this season.

"This could be a huge benefit for the younger players just to give them a one week spell to freshen up...the way it works out, the game on the weekend into the Cowboys this Thursday night is a five day turnaround. The shortest turnaround in the competition, plus the travel to Townsville."