Melbourne's finals campaign hinges on who replaces Jahrome Hughes, and rugby league immortal Andrew Johns has made his choice clear: Jonah Pezet.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Sunday Footy Show, Johns declared that the 22-year-old halfback is ready to step up after Hughes suffered a fractured forearm in Round 27.
"The big decision is the seven and I would put Jonah Pezet straight in," Johns said.
"He’s re-signed there for a reason. He’s in his early 20s, he’s done his apprenticeship."
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Johns pointed to Pezet's game management and kicking skills as the decisive factors. In his eyes, the youngster's presence would allow Cameron Munster to focus on his natural strengths.
"When he’s come on the field, he’s really made a difference. I think it’s his time for sure," he said.
"If they put Pezet in he’s a really good game manager. So his responsibility is to get them around the park and kick. That frees up Munster to be Munster."
Pezet has featured sparingly this season, making just seven appearances, but his style mirrors that of a traditional organising halfback.
By contrast, Tyran Wishart, Hughes' other potential replacement, has played 24 matches in 2025 and offers running ability and experience.
Johns believes the finals stage is the right moment for Pezet to be entrusted with guiding Melbourne's attack.
"Without a doubt I’d be putting Jonah at seven," he said.
Billy Slater, also on the panel, echoed Johns' view. The Queensland legend highlighted the young halfback's boot as a vital asset for Melbourne's structured play.
"He’s probably got the best kicking game out of the remainder of the halves that Craig Bellamy’s got to choose from," Slater said.
With Hughes sidelined, the Storm's premiership hopes may depend on who wears the number seven jersey; according to the greatest to ever do it in that position, the answer is Pezet.