Storm locks Hughes down to 2030 to ward off expansion threats

Superstar halfback Jahrome Hughes has re-signed with the Melbourne Storm through to 2030 in a blockbuster deal that should mean the reigning Dally M Medalist will see out his career down south in purple and white.

The New Zealand international could have put himself on the open market to chase more coin but decided to stay loyal to Craig Bellamy and the Storm — and to give himself the best chance to win more titles before he eventually retires.

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“It’s been in the works for a while now, and to finally get it signed and announced is just a good feeling for myself and my family,” Hughes told reporters on Tuesday. “I’ve played for three clubs, but those first two clubs were one-gamers, but it feels like I am a one-club player. I’ve only played two other games at the Cowboys and Titans.”

“Just to be able to stay at a club like the Storm and everything they have done for my family and I definitely wouldn’t be in the position I am or be the player or person I am today without them and the staff, so I’m super grateful to give back.”

This re-signing means even more, considering the reports around Munster: Melbourne’s five-eighth is still signed through to the end of 2027 for the time being, but the Bears have been sniffing around and want to bring him in as their inaugural leader. Mal Meninga has spoken to Storm bosses and Munster’s agents; a move could be mooted as soon as this offseason.

From Hughes’ side, however, those mega-money expansion bids were “never really” an option.

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“I know there are a lot of rumours, but for myself and my wife, it was how can we stay here, and if it is possible, we will do everything we can to be able to stay here at the club,” the re-signed Storm halfback declared when asked today.

On that, Hughes continued: “A goal of mine is to be successful, and the club has been in that position for nearly every year, so that was probably the main one. For myself, and my personality, I like being away from the media side of things, and you are able to hide a little bit down here, so that’s not the main thing, but it is certainly a bonus.”

“I love this club so much, so once they put an offer in, it was pretty hard to say no to that.”