Cameron Munster has missed large chunks of the current season through injury, but his halves partner Jahrome Hughes has well and truly stepped up.
The No. 7 is undeniably in Dally M Medal contention this year after an impressive regular season campaign, helping to steer the Storm to a minor premiership.
Hughes has been playing at a high level for some years now, but there is no denying the major jump he has made this campaign, having recorded 25 try assists and scored 9 tries so far in 2024.
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Munster was full of praise for his fellow playmaker ahead of Saturday's qualifying final with the Sharks.
"We've [always] known how talented Jahrome is," Munster said.
"He's been very quiet coming through when he first started ... didn't want to take over the team.
"Now you've just seen him grow in leaps and bounds. I'm so happy for him to have had the season that he's had.
"He's always had it in him. He's just taken the team to another level and just shown how good he is."
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Munster then likened his teammate's running ability to Nathan Cleary – arguably the sport's best halfback.
In 2024, Hughes has averaged 117 run metres a game, while also recording 346 kick metres per match.
"He's just a different developed half," he added.
"Probably Nathan Cleary is the other runner of the ball [in the NRL]. You don't see a whole heap of halfbacks run the ball like Jahrome does.
"He's got a lot of tricks [in] his bag and he utilises them a lot in his game.
"I just know when he has the ball in his hand, I'm pushing down the middle for support and I know something's going to happen."
