- Jahrome Hughes wins NRL Dally M Award
- Beat Roosters’ James Tedesco by one point
- He comes after a standout season with the Storm.
Jahrome Hughes was left visibly moved on Wednesday night after several teammates honored him with a powerful Haka at the NRL Dally M Awards.
Earlier in the evening, Hughes had edged out Roosters fullback James Tedesco for the coveted Dally M medal by a single point in the final round of voting.
The 29-year-old New Zealand star has enjoyed a breakout season for the Storm, scoring 12 tries while also returning a whopping 26 assists for the grand finalists.
But as host Yvonne Sampson neared the end of the ceremony, three of the runner’s teammates ran to the stage 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 advanced towards the stage where the prize winners were standing to perform the Haka.
Presenter Yvonne Sampson (left) called the moment a “powerful sign of respect” before concluding the awards evening.
“We’ll take you center 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 her Raiders teammate and Kiwis. Joe Tapine.
The trio began performing the Haka in front of the main stage where the award winners were located.
The chilling moment left Hughes shaken 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, congratulations once again to our 2024 Dally M medalists and of course to all our winners on what has been such an exceptional evening.
“Good evening everyone and of course enjoy our Grand Final on Sunday.”
Hughes seemed visibly taken aback by his teammates’ emotional moment.
Hughes hopes to lead his team to their first premiership in four years on Sunday.
Hughes will hope to lead his team to their first premiership in four years on Sunday as the Storm look to end Penrith’s hopes of winning their fourth consecutive NRL title.
The rider, however, said it was a “surreal” feeling to win the Dally M.
“To be honest, it’s pretty surreal,” Hughes said. ‘I didn’t think I would ever have the chance to win this award. I have butterflies right now.
“I feel so honored to be able to win it that I am speechless.”