Jahrome Hughes, the Dally M medallist and superstar halfback for the Melbourne Storm, is looking on the bright side too. He remains optimistic about being fit for next weekend’s preliminary final. With a successful surgery on his injured arm behind him, Hughes has begun to recover fully. He even managed to complete his inaugural training session with the brace still on!
In doing so, the 30-year-old proved his fierce ambition to return to the top. He participated in a training session, which he described as a “test and trial” for his arm. Hughes was very pleased with the way the brace felt on practice. He says he’ll increase the training load as the week goes on.
“I got a little brace made up and it was the first training session that I had with it on so it was more a test and trial to see how it’s going and it felt pretty good,” Hughes stated.
Though optimistic, Hughes is still wary of making a hasty return to the court. His intention is to make an early decision about whether to participate. That means the preliminary final, which will be played at AAMI Park, is scheduled for Friday week. He emphasized that physical readiness is the most important thing before you play a game. With talented teammates waiting in the wings, there is zero tolerance for restfulness.
If I’m fit, for sure I’ll take the lead. I don’t want to come in at just 50 percent — that’s just not worth it, and it’s so much easier with Jonah there to make up for it.
Hughes further accepted that, at the end of the day, it is up to the medical staff to determine when he is ready. He believes in maintaining the family/team chemistry. This is key, particularly as they prepare for a high stakes encounter.
“I don’t want to be disruptive and just coming in the last day before we play the prelim so if I can’t get through at least a good training session this week with the boys, I probably won’t play,” he explained.
While attending a VIP event at the Sapporo Supper Club in Melbourne alongside retired sumo wrestlers Hishofuji Hiroki and Ichinojo Takashi, Hughes maintained a lighthearted attitude about his recovery regimen. While he joked at the press conference about opting to drink milk alone to develop his own bone strength, his commitment to his training goals is serious.
“It feels really good… I didn’t do any contact and probably won’t for another couple of days,” Hughes noted, highlighting his careful approach to returning from injury.
Now, Hughes is directed entirely toward getting himself back to 100%. Undoubtedly he’ll be looking to give the Melbourne Storm the best shot possible in the lead up to what could be a season-defining clash. His commitment to the team and cautious optimism reflect his dedication as both a player and leader within the club.
