New Zealand will be without reigning Dally M Medal winner Jahrome Hughes for this upcoming Pacific Championships after the halfback was ruled out with injury.
Following Melbourne's grand final loss to the Panthers, it was revealed that the playmaker, who copped some criticism for a flat performance, was dealing with a neck injury.
Now, Kiwis coach Stacey Jones, has announced Hughes has been ruled out of the tournament, which begins with a clash against Australia on October 27.
MORE: Every nation's squad for the Pacific Championships
“Jahrome is understandably shattered and we really feel for him,” said Jones.
“He has had an outstanding year and he was going to play a key role for the Kiwis again.
“He was desperate to play and we thought, with some time on our side, he would come right with treatment but he has since received medical advice that he won’t be ready to play.”
Dally M Medal-winning halfback Jahrome Hughes has today been ruled out of the New Zealand Kiwis’ Pacific Championships campaign this month, due to injury. We wish Jahrome all the best with his recovery and are right behind him 🖤😪
— NZ Rugby League (@NZRL_Kiwis) October 10, 2024
Read more - https://t.co/tcyPcHUNO3 pic.twitter.com/bzuuXtJWcU
It's a bitter blow for Hughes and the Kiwis, with Jones set to name a replacement shortly.
Kodi Nikorima is the only other recognised half in the 21-man squad, while potential debutant Phoenix Crossland could also fill in at the scrumbase.
Dylan Brown, Kieran Foran and Te Maire Martin were all unavailable for selection through injury.
Now-retired No. 7 Shaun Johnson said last month he'd potentially be open to a comeback in the event Hughes was also ruled out.
"I'm not playing, but I really did have a really good conversation with Stace," Johnson said on the Play On Sports Show.
"It was more around the fact that, say, if Jahrome went down - touch wood, he's on fire and he's got a couple of big games to come up - then they'd be in a real pickle.
"If something were to change there, then I would never say no to that opportunity.
"I would never, ever say no to representing the Kiwis."
Johnson announced his retirement at the end of the Warriors' season after 268 first-grade games, as well as 32 Tests for New Zealand.
