Hughes wins Dally M Medal, trails Cleary in Clive Churchill odds

Melbourne Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes has been recognised as the best player of the 2024 NRL season, winning the Dally M Medal on Wednesday evening in Sydney.

He becomes just the third player from New Zealand to win the prestigious award, beating the Sydney Roosters’ James Tedesco by one vote.

“I never thought I’d be a halfback in the NRL,” Hughes said.

“I thought I was a fullback until a guy called [Ryan] Papenhuyzen took my spot.

“I had to find a spot somewhere else in the team and Craig [Bellamy] made it halfback.

“It was a bit of a different transition, I’d never really played in the halves too much.

“Craig told me not to change my game too much, stick to my strengths and I’d have to learn a few different things.

“I’ve done that and I’ve got some help from a few people.

“Cooper Cronk was there helping me out ever since I’ve become a halfback. A lot of coaching staff there as well, I’m super grateful for those guys.”

Hughes has had a stellar year for Melbourne, racking up 12 tries across his 22 games, along with 26 try assists and an equal number of linebreak assists.

Despite having a heavy hand in guiding the Storm to their first NRL grand final since 2020, Hughes is not the favourite to win the Clive Churchill Medal.

Two-time winner Nathan Cleary heads the market at Bet365, with odds of $4.50 for the Penrith Panthers playmaker to become the first player to win the award in back-to-back years.

Hughes holds the second line of betting at $5.50, while his Storm teammates Cameron Munster ($7.50) and Harry Grant ($9.50) round out the top chances.

Overall, Melbourne hold a narrow edge in the outright odds to win this Sunday’s grand final, paying $1.90 to Penrith’s $1.95.

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