Hughes may join Kiwi contingent in grand final
Inexperienced Kiwi Jahrome Hughes could be thrust into the No 1 jersey for the Melbourne Storm if retiring legend Billy Slater misses the NRL grand final.
The defending premiers booked their place in a third consecutive decider with a 22-6 win over the Sharks on Friday.
They will meet the Roosters at ANZ Stadium on Sunday. However, Slater faces the prospect of watching what would be the final game of his illustrious career from the sidelines after he was cited for a shoulder charge for his try-saving hit on Cronulla winger Sosaia Feki. The grade one charge means the Queensland and Australia great will miss the grand final unless he is found not guilty at the NRL judiciary.
If Slater is robbed of the chance for a fairytale farewell, Hughes is shaping as the man likely to take his place.
Born in Wellington, the 23-year-old playmaker made his debut for the Gold Coast in 2013 before moving to the Cowboys. But up until the start of last season he had just two first grade appearances to his name.
Hughes has enjoyed a breakout year in 2018, making 11 starts at fullback and halfback and impressing Michael Maguire enough to be included in the Kiwis’ wider training squad.
If he does take the field Hughes will join a healthy contingent of New Zealanders in action on grand final day.
Most of those are up front where Storm forwards Jesse Bromwich, younger brother Kenny Bromwich, Nelson AsofaSolomona and livewire bench hooker Brandon Smith will be squaring off against Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Isaac Liu and Tokoroa-born Cook Islands international Zane Tetevano.
Tongan enforcer Sio Siua Taukeiaho, who played one test for the Kiwis in 2015, is a key member of the Sydney side’s pack, while former New Zealand forwards Frank-Paul Nu’uausala (Roosters) and Sam Kasiano (Storm) are also part of the respective squads.
However, young centre Joseph Manu could be the Kiwi to watch as he looks to cap off his first full year in first grade with a grand final ring.
Another Tokoroa product, the 22-year-old doesn’t receive the headlines of team-mate, NSW star centre Latrell Mitchell, but he has come of age for the Roosters this year, scoring seven tries with nine try assists.
Manu outplayed Kangaroos centre Greg Inglis on Saturday night as the Roosters secured their place in the grand final with a gritty 12-4 win over the Rabbitohs.