Melbourne Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes has continued his remarkable season after being named the 2024 Players’ Champion, as voted by NRL players.
Hughes, who last week won the Dally M Medal as NRL player of the year, has played a pivotal role in his Melbourne Storm side becoming Minor Premiers and reaching Sunday's grand final against Penrith.
“This is a massive honour for me to be voted the Players’ Champion,” Hughes said of the RLPA award.
“I really hold this in high regard, and I think it is definitely one of the best individual accolades you can get. I’m so honoured to be able to receive it, and just to get the praise from the players that you go against week in, week out.
Hughes honoured with powerful Haka
“For them to vote for this, it is truly massive for myself. I’m super grateful and really honoured to win The Players’ Champion.”
Shaun Johnson, the 2023 Players’ Champion and New Zealand compatriot, congratulated Jahrome on winning the game’s biggest and most prestigious player-voted award.
“Firstly, congrats to my brother Jahrome for being chosen as this year’s Players Champion,” said Shaun Johnson.
“Awards like this are made more special when it’s chosen by the people you battle against week in week out. Jahrome has been by far the best player in our comp all year and deserves this recognition.
“[There is] no better feeling then seeing another Kiwi take this award. So again congratulations - keep inspiring.”
Hughes take a bow
So far in 2024, Hughes has scored 12 tries, assisted 26 tries and has 26 line break assists to his name, as well as an average of 115 running metres per game from halfback.
He is tied second in the league for try assists, third for line break assists, fifth for total kick metres, and leads the league in attacking kicks.
Clint Newton, the CEO of the RLPA, praised Hughes for winning the 2024 Players’ Champion and becoming the first Storm player to win the player-voted award.
Jahrome Hughes takes to the stage to collect his Dally M Medal
“On behalf of the RLPA I would like to congratulate Jahrome on winning the 2024 Players’ Champion award,” Newton said.
“Incredibly, Jahrome is the first ever Melbourne Storm player to win the individual Players’ Champion.
"Considering the phenomenal players that have pulled on the famous purple, it is recognition of not only how hard it is to win this award, but also a testament to the outstanding season Jahrome has had in 2024.”
“This season will go down in memory as the season Jahrome dominated the competition with his outstanding playmaking abilities, relentless kicking and formidable running game.
"Jahrome is a player people tune in to watch, and this year, he's given us many memorable moments, which demonstrates that he's a more than worthy winner of the 2024 Players’ Champion.”
