- Jahrome Hughes won the NRL Dally M award
- He beat Roosters’ James Tedesco by one point
- It comes after a remarkable season with Storm
Jahrome Hughes was moved to tears on Wednesday night after being honored by several teammates with a powerful Haka at the NRL Dally M awards.
Earlier in the evening, Hughes had pipped Roosters full-back James Tedesco to the coveted Dally M Medal by just one point in the final round of voting.
The 29-year-old New Zealand star has had an excellent season for the Storm, scoring 12 tries and providing an impressive 26 assists for the grand finalists.
But as host Yvonne Sampson approached the ceremony, three of the halfback teammates rushed to the podium to honor Hughes.
“Congratulations to Jahrome Hughes of the Melbourne Storm and Olivia Kernick of the Sydney Roosters, your 2024 Dally M Medal winners,” Sampson said.
Jahrome Hughes was honored by his teammates with a Haka after winning the Dally M award
The trio stepped forward to the stage where the award winners stood to perform the Haka
Presenter Yvonne Sampson (left) called the moment a ‘powerful sign of respect’ before the awards ceremony closed
“We’re taking you to the center of the stage for our final shot and that concludes our 2024 Dally M Medal…” she added before being interrupted by Storm players Will Warbrick and Eliesa Katoa, as well as Raiders and Kiwis teammate Joe Tapine.
The trio began performing the Haka in front of the main stage where the award winners stood.
The chilling moment left Hughes looking moved and after the trio performed the traditional Maori war dance, Hughes stepped forward from the stage to hug Warbric, Katoa and Tapine.
“A powerful sign of respect and what it means in this great game of ours in the NRL,” Sampson said after the Haka.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, once again congratulate our 2024 Dally M medalists and of course all our winners on this exceptional evening.
‘Good night everyone and of course enjoy our grand finale on Sunday.’
Hughes seemed visibly surprised by his teammates’ touching moment
Hughes hopes to lead his side to their first premiership in four years on Sunday
Hughes hopes to lead his side to their first premiership in four years on Sunday as the Storm look to throw a spanner in the works of Penrith’s hopes of winning their fourth NRL title in a row.
However, the halfback stated that it was a ‘surreal’ feeling to see the Dally M.
“It’s kind of surreal to be honest,” Hughes said. ‘I didn’t think I would ever get the chance to win this award. I have butterflies right now.
“I’m so honored that I was able to win it, I’m speechless.”