BREAKING: Hughes’ $1.5m snub as Storm star inks mega deal... and it could force teammate out

Jahrome Hughes has turned his back on millions from NRL expansion teams to ink a four-year extension to finish his career at the Melbourne Storm.

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The Storm confirmed the news on Tuesday morning, with Hughes turning down the chance to be a marquee signing with the Perth Bears or Papua New Guinea to stick loyal to the club that gave him his chance in the NRL.

“I’m delighted to extend my contract with Storm for another four years. I absolutely love this Club, it’s become a second family to me, and Melbourne feels like home,” Hughes said in a statement via the Storm.

“This group of players, coaches, and staff is incredibly special, and I’m determined to achieve more success in the purple jersey. I’m excited for what lies ahead and the memories still to come.”

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Jahrome Hughes is set to sign a four-year extension. Source: Getty Images

With 165 Storm appearances and 10 Test caps for New Zealand, Hughes remains a central figure in Melbourne’s Premiership ambitions.

The 30-year-old, who is currently sidelined with a dislocated shoulder, is expected to make a full recovery in time for Storm’s 2025 NRL Finals campaign.

Hughes was signed until the end of 2026 and was set to become available to negotiate with rivals on November 1, but he has instead inked a four-year extension worth north of $4 million, that will keep him with the Storm until the end of 2030.

However, the deal could have repercussions for Storm half Jonah Pezet, who has a get-out clause if the Storm signed Hughes to an extension.

Hughes opened up on his decision and said it was never about the money.

“I think the thing for me is just where I’m going to be happy. Myself and my wife, we are having a kid at the end of the year.

“You don’t want to be going somewhere for money and not enjoying your life. It was the value of my happiness and my family’s happiness.

“You look at the football side of things, the dream is to chase premierships and I think Melbourne’s in a good window for that and has always been ever since I’ve been here, and even before I came here. I looked at those sorts of things as factors in the contract.”

He said he owed a debt to the Storm which played a factor in his call.

Bellamy gives Hughes injury update | 08:53

“I have won a premiership and was lucky enough to win a Dally M last year. I never thought I’d be able to do those things.”

“I am very grateful to be where I am. So just to show them a bit of loyalty as well was always something that was in the back of my mind.”

Hughes has scored 68 tries in 165 games for the Storm from 2017 after just two games for the Titans and Cowboys combined in 2013 and 2016.

He was a member of the title winning Storm squad in 2017 and started at halfback in their 2020 triumph, while he also lost Grand Finals in 2018 and 2024.

The New Zealand born playmaker has also played 10 Tests for the Kiwis and won a Dally M Medal in 2024.

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