'Not happy': Bellamy furious with 'unusual' Storm play

Despite Melbourne heading to the Gold Coast and finishing victorious, coach Craig Bellamy did not cut a happy figure throughout the fixture. The supercoach's frustrations boiled over early in the second half when Melbourne was leading 16-6. Ten metres out from the Titans' line, with Cam Munster and Jahrome Hughes on the left, Ryan Papenhuyzen overrode the call as Tyran Wishart swung the ball to the short side. "That's got the coach walking. He's out of the box, he's had enough," Michael Ennis said on Fox League. Minutes later, Melbourne was attacking again. On the third tackle, Hughes tried a grubber which was smothered by the Titans. Then an off-side penalty was blown on the first tackle for the Gold Coast. Bellamy once again walked out of the box. "He's not happy at all, Craig, and rightly so," Ennis said. "That was unusual. You don't usually see Jahrome Hughes get those wrong ... (Bellamy) is unhappy this afternoon." In the first half, a double to Sualauvi Fa'alogo gifted Melbourne a 16-6 lead. Jayden Campbell was the try-scorer for the Titans, while Wishart scored the other for Melbourne. The Titans struck first in the second half when Phillip Sami crossed. However, a double to Grant Anderson put the match beyond doubt at 28-10. Sami nabbed his second in the 67th minute but it turned out to be merely a consolation try with Melbourne winning 28-16. Post-match, Munster said Bellamy was a "worry wart". "He loves perfection and unfortunately when you play rugby league it's not always going to be perfect ... In these conditions there's going to be dropped ball and decisions made that no one wants to do," he told Fox League.

Jahrome Hughes delivers dagger after Western Bears links in huge update for Storm and Ryan Papenhuyzen

Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes has slapped down any suggestion he will be joining the Western Bears when they join the NRL having hinted he wants to remain in Melbourne for his entire career. While his insistence he wants to remain in Melbourne could be a blow for a rival club trying to lure Ryan Papenhuyzen away. After the announcement the Western Bears are set to become the next NRL team to enter the competition in 2027, a number of big names were tossed around as a marquee signings. Due to likely increases to the salary cap in coming years, the Perth-based Bears will present an opportunity for the first player in the history of the game to break the $2 million barrier when they come into the comp in 2027. North Sydney Bears board member Billy Moore predicted last week that the market for players will explode in the next few years. Ryan Papenhyzen was linked as a potential $2 million signing with the fullback having only signed a short-term deal with the Storm till the end of 2026. Another big name also off contract at the Storm is halfback Hughes. The reigning Dally M winner hadn't committed to the Storm leading into the 2025 season, which has led to speculation he could be open to entering the market. Hughes could also attract a mega-contract boost considering his rise as one of the game's best playmakers. This saw him linked to the Bears considering he would be free to negotiate with other clubs at the end of 2025. Speaking on SEN Radio last week, NRL reporter David Riccio suggested the two names at the top of the list for the Bears could be Hughes and Broncos powerhouse Payne Haas.

Storm's grim realisation

On the Storm, and Sunday's defeat of the Warriors showed again just how much they rely on classy halfback Jahrome Hughes. With Hughes calling the shots, the Storm cruised to a 36-0 half time lead. But when Hughes failed to return after the break due to a shoulder problem, things changed drastically. The Warriors, down and out in the first 40 minutes, actually won the second half, with the final score 46-14. Storm coach Craig Bellamy will be praying scans today don't show Hughes has suffered any major damage.

Key inclusion to keep 22-year streak alive

The surprise inclusion of superstar Melbourne fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen for a round 1 home game the club demanded could prove the crucial element as the Storm looks to continue a stunning winning streak that has stretched for 22 years against Parramatta on Sunday. Storm captain Harry Grant said Papenhuyzen was ready despite battling knee and ankle issues during the pre-season, with the premiership fancies out to win their opening round match for the 23rd straight year, 21 of them under coach Craig Bellamy. Melbourne chief executive Justin Rodski confirmed his club wanted a home opener this weekend, with the opening round of the AFL moved north to Sydney and Brisbane and now reduced to just Friday and Sunday games due to Cyclone Alfred. Speaking on his podcast this week, Papenhuyzen said Bellamy had thrown him “under the bus” by declaring the fullback was doubtful to take on the Eels after missing both of his team’s trial games. “I had a little tear in my meniscus and while that’s sweet now I’ve got a little stitching from my knee surgery that’s calcified … that’s just caused a bit of irritation. “I’ve run the last couple of training sessions. It just seems to be one thing after the next, but it’s not too bad. I’ve just got to manage what it is. Hopefully, I get the all clear.” He was named in the team on Tuesday and Grant said Papenhuyzen was a “resilient bugger” and would take his place at AAMI Park on Sunday. “He’s just been training and completed all his training since off the back of that trial,” Grant said on Wednesday.

Craig Bellamy record at risk after Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes setbacks in pre-season

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy is facing a number of setbacks ahead of the season opener with Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes in doubt. Bellamy has never lost the opening game of the NRL season as Melbourne coach but the latest to two of his stars will place this record at risk. The Storm will field an understrength backline against the Cowboys with Papenhyuzyen potentially out for a number of weeks with his latest injury. Papenhuyzen has faced plenty of setbacks in recent years having returned from a number of horrible leg injuries. But Bellamy confirmed the fullback might not return to action until round three when the Storm play the Penrith Panthers in a grand final rematch. The Storm have a bye in round two and might opt not to risk the 27-year-old with his history of injures. Papenhuyzen is a big loss to for Bellamy with the fullback attempting to put a string of games together to prove his injury setbacks are behind him. But Papenhuyzen isn't the only star in doubt for round one. The Storm's best player last year, Hughes, is battling a calf complaint. Bellamy is confident Hughes will be right for their first round clash in two weeks, but his absence has curtailed the Storm's pre-season training. Hughes has an extensive history with calf issues with the latest setback his eighth in the last five years. And the pre-season interruptions won't help Bellamy who is putting a remarkable record on the line again in 2025. The veteran coach has never lost the opening round of the NRL as Melbourne's coach. He is currently on 21 straight wins and will hope to extend that to 22 when they take on the Parramatta Eels in round one. The Eels have shown mixed form in the pre-season challenge having gone down to the Wests Tigers on Friday night. Mitchell Moses is also carrying an injury heading into round one with Jason Ryles set to make a call on his star halfback.

Secret reason behind star's 'below par' grand final

The reason behind the Storm's below-par performance in the grand final can finally be revealed - star halfback Jahrome Hughes was virtually a passenger during the loss to the Panthers. To their credit, the Storm kept Hughes' injury a closely guarded secret even after the event, not wanting to take away from Penrith's magnificent win. But the Dally M Medal winner took painful neck and back injuries into the game and was barely sighted in attack. Coming a week after he scored three tries in the defeat of the Roosters, Hughes struggled in the lead- up to the game and looked uncomfortable at the captain's run the day before the game. Without Hughes' usual brilliant attacking game, the Storm could manage just one try - through a solo effort by Harry Grant. It was the first time in the past nine Storm games that Hughes failed to either score or set up at least one try, such has been his influence on the team. The Kiwis are hopeful that Hughes will play in the upcoming Pacific Championships but Wide World of Sports is hearing the extent of his injuries may restrict his appearances.

Manager reveals 'homesick' Hughes almost quit Storm

Jahrome Hughes' manager has made the shock revelation that but for the outbreak of COVID in 2019, the newly-crowned Dally M Medallist would now be a Warrior. Hughes, who deservedly took out the award by one point from Roosters fullback James Tedesco on Wednesday night, joined the Storm in 2017 but after a couple of seasons was feeling homesick. "Jahrome felt it was time to go home and the Warriors offered him $1 million, which was big money for a halfback four or five years ago," Tas Bartlett of PSM management told Wide World of Sports. "But COVID came in and prevented us from making the trip. "Basically, the Warriors couldn't show him the love. We had a couple of Zoom chats but it wasn't the same - and he decided to stay in Melbourne." The 29-year-old Hughes is a great lesson to all young players about fighting back from adversity. He made his debut for the Titans in 2013… and was sacked after one game. The classy halfback floated around park footy for a few seasons before being picked up by the Cowboys in 2016… and was again sacked after one game. He tried his luck at the Storm the following year, started at fullback, before being moved to No.7, where he has developed into one of the most polished playmakers in modern football.

Jahrome Hughes' $6m rejection of Dolphins comes to light after 'rumblings' of move with wife

Details have emerged about how Jahrome Hughes spurned interest from the Dolphins and Broncos to re-sign with the Melbourne Storm, including a monster $6 million offer from Wayne Bennett. Hughes has been the best player in the NRL this season and appears odds-on to win his first Dally M medal. The Kiwi halfback stepped up for the Storm in the absence of halves partner Cameron Munster in the middle of the season, and led Craig Bellamy's side to the minor premierships. But it could have been a very different story had he not rejected the Broncos and Dolphins to take less money at the Storm. According to the Courier Mail, Bennett offered Hughes a whopping $6 million to join the Dolphins, but he sacrificed around $2.4 million to stay in Melbourne. The Broncos had also shown interest in signing the Kiwi halfback, and Brisbane great Corey Parker revealed 'rumblings' earlier this year that he wanted to return to Queensland to be closer to he and his wife's family. Hughes played one game for the Gold Coast Titans in 2013, and one more for North Queensland in 2016. He was reportedly offered to the Wests Tigers and Dragons for $180,000 in 2016, before joining the Storm on just $150,000.

Cameron Smith responds amid NRL rumours about Jahrome Hughes' exit from Melbourne Storm

Cameron Smith has moved to shoot down speculation about Jahrome Hughes leaving the Melbourne Storm, revealing there have been no signs from the Storm halfback that he wants out. Broncos great Corey Parker revealed on SEN radio this week that he'd heard 'rumblings' Hughes is looking at moving to a Queensland club to be closer to he and his wife's family. Hughes is under contract with the Storm until the end of 2026, and the club has now reportedly begun negotiations to extend him for another two years. “I’m hearing rumblings that one superstar in the game wants to come home to Queensland and be with the family,” Parker said. “Whether that’s at the end of his contract or not, that remains to be seen. That player is Jahrome Hughes. “I know his wife is from the Gold Coast and at this stage it’s just rumblings that I’m hearing. It remains to be seen if it’s before his term of contract or not, but watch this space. We’ll just see what happens or unfolds in this space moving forward." Hughes has since moved to dismiss the rumours, and Storm legend Smith reckons he hasn't seen any signs the Kiwi halfback wants to leave. “Most times the performance is a dead giveaway on the field and I reckon he’s been one of the best, if not, their best player this year,” Smith said on SEN on Tuesday.

'Real headache' for Bellamy as star races injury clock

Utility Tyran Wishart has left Storm coach Craig Bellamy with a real headache going into next weekend's grand final qualifier against the Panthers.When star halfback Jahrome Hughes pulled out with a calf injury late in the week, Wishart - son of Steelers legend Rod - was fourth in line to replace him.But with Jayden Nikorima and Jonah Pezet also unavailable, Wishart was thrown in the deep end - and the Roosters sniffed a glimmer of hope.Wishart had never played halfback in the top grade but looked like a 100-game veteran, scoring the opening try, running for nearly 100 metres and making 18 tackles on the Roosters' big men who had targeted him in defence.Hughes will naturally come straight back into the team if fit but Wishart is a huge chance for a bench spot given his versatility - he can play anywhere in the backline - and his form against the Roosters.

Storm Star Breaks The Duck

Speaking of hoodoos, Jahrome Hughes ended a personal one as the Storm outclassed the Tigers 28-6 in Campbelltown on Saturday night.Hughes has captained the Storm several times over the last couple of years - but had lost on every occasion.But the talented halfback took matters into his own hands, leading the Storm from the front as they proved far too good for the young Tigers at Campbelltown.One of the most polished halves in the NRL, Hughes was involved in several tries and after the 80 minutes, was able to tick the "winning NRL captain" box on his bucket list.

Storm star gets back to his best

Jahrome Hughes is back to form - and that signals trouble for the other 16 teams in the NRL.One of the smartest halfbacks in the comp, Hughes had a slow start to 2023, and it's no coincidence that the Storm also had their struggles in the same period.In his first seven games this season, Hughes had just one try assist - a pitiful tally for such a talented player.But the intensive rivalry between the Storm and the Broncos brought out the best in Hughes on Thursday night.He was the most influential player on the field and laid on twice as many tries as he had all season to steer his team to a 24-16 win in a spiteful game.With Hughes and Cameron Munster - who has now scored tries in four straight against the Broncos - in top form, the Storm will once again be genuine title contenders.

A rare Craig bellyache

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That's an old saying in life - but the Storm went against it on Friday night and it backfired on them badly.With Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster together in the halves, the Storm boast a stunning winning rate of over 80 per cent.But when Craig Bellamy lost Nick Meaney for the clash with Manly, he shifted Munster to fullback - and it was far from a success.Munster had a poor game - he was caught out of position in Manly's first try and had trouble getting into the game.The Storm's attack was clunky all night and, with the benefit of hindsight, they would have been far better off keeping their star halves together and moving someone else to fullback.As for Manly, their performance was a fine response to their poor showing against Penrith the previous week and the spirit within the team was there for all to see.

Munster, Hughes key to Storm success

The Storm have lost a lot of key personnel over the summer and started the year slowly, but they remain a title threat so long as they keep Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes on the field.Remarkably, when these two guys are together in the halves, the Storm's winning record is just over 80 per cent.Hughes' return coincided with the Storm's best performance of the season on Thursday night as they outclassed the Roosters 28-8.The two worked together superbly and their very different games complement each other and make them a danger against every defence in the NRL.

Melbourne's remarkable run continues

The Storm's feat of 19 straight first round wins must go down as one of the most remarkable records in rugby league.While fellow big guns like Manly, the Roosters and Souths suffered shock opening losses, the Storm kept their streak alive despite serious injuries to three key players.To come from behind to score a 26-16 win over a determined Tigers side was all guts, and coach Craig Bellamy later described it as one of the bravest wins he has been involved in.

Hughes could stay at Storm, despite 'ruckus' of the last week

Jahrome Hughes' manager will travel to Melbourne in coming weeks to hold truce talks with the Storm. Hughes sent shock waves through Melbourne last week when he declared he may not take up the option on his contract for 2024. The star halfback's manager has already been inundated by inquiries from rival clubs in the past few days in the wake of that story. The NRL's new franchise, the Dolphins, have been strongly linked to Hughes, with superstar coach Wayne Bennett the drawcard. But Hughes' manager Tas Bartlett told Wide World of Sports that the star halfback is far from lost to the Storm. "The story last week created a bit of a ruckus but the reality is, it is still a long way off and Jahrome is loyal to Melbourne and happy there," Bartlett said. "I will go and have a chat to them when things settle down and if we can work out say a five year deal that will take him to age 32, we may take it. "Of course he will be open to offers from rival clubs next November if we don't come to terms but he is loyal to the Storm and hopefully we can sort something out."

Storm Scoring Spree Sets All-Time Record

It's official - Craig Bellamy's Purple People have made the best start to a season, attacking-wise, in rugby league history. Not since the game began in Australia in 1908 has a team smashed the 500-point barrier after 15 rounds. The Storm achieved the milestone in their romp over the Tigers and have now notched 538 points after 15 rounds - a stunning average of more than 35 points per game. The next best team after 15 rounds was St George in 1959 - in the middle of their remarkable run of 11 straight titles - but they are way back on 480 points. The only teams in the modern era to top 450 points after 15 rounds are the 2002 Warriors (460) and this year's Panthers (456). While the Panthers have been superb all season, there is no doubt that the Storm is the team they all fear - especially after their scary demolition job on the hapless Tigers.