Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has confirmed that star playmaker Jahrome Hughes is on track to make his long-awaited return next week, just in time to tune up for the finals. The halfback has been sidelined since last month with a serious shoulder injury that initially threatened to end his season.
Following Friday night’s 40-10 loss to the Sydney Roosters, Bellamy revealed the Dally M Medallist is pushing hard to be cleared for the Broncos clash. “He will need to get through a little bit,” Bellamy said.
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“He has been out for a while. It is going to be hard for him with his game back, but he prefers coming back a week before the finals rather than coming back in a finals game.”
Bellamy cautious but optimistic
While Hughes is desperate to play, the final decision will rest with Melbourne’s medical staff. “He is really keen to get back next week,” Bellamy conceded. “If the medical people think it is not plausible or it is a real big risk, well, we probably won’t do it.”
The coach admitted Hughes will likely show some rust, but emphasised the importance of giving him game time before the knockout stage. “I am not quite sure how much we would use him in the finals then if he hasn’t played any footy before the finals,” he said.
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“So we’re really keen to get him back out there next week, and he is keen to do it. He thinks he is feeling okay with the shoulder, so hopefully the week will turn out okay.”
For Storm fans, Hughes’ return couldn’t come at a better time, with their finals campaign looming.