NRL 2021: Storm v Warriors, Jahrome Hughes makes failed $2.5m poaching raid hurt even more for Warriors
Melbourne Storm’s Jahrome Hughes recently turned down a monster $2.5 million offer — and now we know why.
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Melbourne Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes turned down a monster $2.5 million offer to join the New Zealand Warriors just over a month ago.
At AAMI Park in the Anzac Day blockbuster, the star Kiwi made the failed poaching raid hurt even more for New Zealand by dismantling the Warriors and setting up a 42-20 win.
In front of 20,320 fans, Hughes was dazzling and bamboozled the hapless Warriors with four try assists in the first half.
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First he made a break and kicked brilliantly on the outside of his boot to find George Jennings in the corner.
Jennings’ night was done not long after that, with the winger concussed after a big hit from Josh Curran.
Hughes continued to terrorise, putting Felise Kaufusi into a hole for Storm’s second and then setting up Nicho Hynes for the reigning premier’s third.
He was still not done, making a break before finding Reimis Smith for a fourth before half-time and the contest was as good as over.
In the second half, winger Josh Addo-Carr finished off the job with a crowd-pleasing double as Storm ended with eight tries.
The Storm did, however, let in four tries, including a hat-trick to winger Ken Maumelo, which will no doubt provide the ammunition for coach Craig Bellamy around the club this week.
HYNES AT THE BACK
It was always going to be a tough ask filling the shoes of injured star and NRL leading point scorer Ryan Papenhuyzen.
It is difficult to replicate Papenhuyzen’s explosiveness, although Hynes grew into the role after a scratchy start and an error that led to the Warriors’ first try.
He lacked some touch at times, but his confidence grew as the game went on and he grabbed a try and two try assists.
Hynes is a good chance to stay in the No.1 for Storm’s Friday night clash with Cronulla at AAMI Park, with Papenhuyzen far from certain to return.
A BIG DEBUT FOR YOUNG WARRIOR
It is harder to think of a tougher assignment for an 18-year-old than debuting against a raging Storm in Melbourne.
But Warriors coach Nathan Brown did just that, handing youngster Reece Walsh his first game in the AAMI Park cauldron less than a month after being granted a release by the Brisbane Broncos.
Despite the challenge, Walsh performed well enough to suggest he has a bright future.
He started at fullback and pushed star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to the wing in a surprise pre-game switch.
For Melbourne, Brandon Smith started at hooker with Harry Grant again coming off the bench.
Storm co-captain Dale Finucane made a successful return from a calf injury in his first game of the year.
Originally published as NRL 2021: Storm v Warriors, Jahrome Hughes makes failed $2.5m poaching raid hurt even more for Warriors
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