Matty Johns makes huge call amid Dally M race between Jahrome Hughes and James Tedesco

Johns declared Jahrome Hughes simply must win the Dally M.

Sports Reporter

Mon, 9 Sept 2024, 5:37 am·3-min read

Matty Johns believes Jahrome Hughes is the best-running halfback the NRL has ever seen as the Kiwi international seemingly all but secured the Dally M after another scintillating performance in Melbourne's 50-12 win over the Broncos. Hughes has arguably been the best NRL player of the 2024 season, helping guide the Storm to a minor premiership.

Even more impressive is the fact the halfback has achieved that feat without halves partner Cameron Munster for the majority of the season. Hughes all but guaranteed himself another six Dally M votes on Thursday night after scoring a hat-trick, providing two try assists, four line breaks, three line-break assists and running for 123 metres.

Pictured L-R: Matty Johns, Jahrome Hughes and James Tedesco. — Matty Johns declared Jahrome Hughes simply must win the Dally M. Image: Getty

And following that performance Johns said the 29-year-old is "the best running halfback I’ve ever seen". Johns also believes Hughes has "got to be the Dally M medallist" after what’s been a career-best season. Hughes has scored nine tries this season, notched up a career-best of 27 try assists and leads the Storm in both linebreaks and linebreak assists.

And four-time premiership-winning halfback Cooper Cronk agreed with Johns, saying he deserves to take home the prestigious individual award after a standout season. “He is in red-hot form in season 2024. He might just finish it with a Dally M and potentially a premiership ring as well,” Cronk said on Thursday.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 05: Jahrome Hughes of the Storm scores a try during the round 27 NRL match between Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium, on September 05, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/Getty Images) — Jahrome Hughes scored a hat-trick, provided two try assists, four line breaks, three line-break assists and ran for 123 metres in an incredible display against the Broncos. Image: Getty

Michael Ennis echoed Cronk and Johns' sentiment, praising Hughes for his consistency in 2024. “Marching towards the Dally M medal, Jahrome Hughes, after being rested last week has come in and single-handedly (torn the Broncos to shreds),” he said. “He’s had some good players around him… but it’s all come off the back of what Jahrome Hughes is doing. He is absolutely killing them through the middle."

Jahrome Hughes favourite in the Dally M race

Hughes' main competition for the Dally M is James Tedesco. In the first half of the season, before the voting went behind closed doors, the Roosters fullback led the Melbourne half. Tedesco has been outstanding all year and has continually excelled in the league's most formidable attacking side.

However, since then Hughes has been arguably Melbourne's best every week since and the general consensus is he will finish ahead of Tedesco. But it could be closer than many expect.

Bellamy's decision to rest Hughes against the Cowboys in Round 26 could ultumately prove costly if Tedesco earned a vote for his performance against Canberra and also racked up points in the Roosters' win over the Rabbitohs, in a game where he got a double and a try assist.

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Of the other possible contenders, Dylan Edwards was leading with 31 points when voting went behind closed doors, with Nicho Hynes not far behind on 30. But Edwards and Hynes have both missed several weeks due to State of Origin and injuries and are unlikely to have registered enough points to challenge Hughes or Tedesco.